Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions
Floor Speech
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Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I am pleased to introduce the Improving Trauma Systems and Emergency Care Act with Senator Moran.
Nationally, trauma is the leading cause of death in the United States for individuals aged 44 and younger, and according to the Coalition for National Trauma Research, trauma accounts for 41 million emergency room visits and 2 million hospital admissions across the country each year.
For anyone who experiences sudden, major injuries in a car crash, a house fire, and any other dangerous incident, timely and effective trauma care can make a significant difference. The Nation's trauma and emergency medical systems are designed to provide that expert care. These systems respond quickly and efficiently to get seriously injured individuals to the appropriate trauma center hospital within the ``golden hour,'' the time period when medical intervention is most effective in saving lives and preventing permanent injury. Achieving this standard of access requires maintenance and careful coordination between organized systems of trauma care.
We must continually improve and invest in this essential component of our healthcare system. In 2014, President Obama signed the Improving Trauma Care Act into law, legislation that I introduced to add burn injuries to the definition of ``trauma care'' and ensure that burn centers are eligible for funding under trauma and emergency care programs.
The legislation we are introducing today takes another important step by authorizing $24 million each year for pilot program grants to strengthen coordination and communication among trauma systems, improve access to trauma care, and facilitate clinical research. The legislation would also require the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, to support States in improving emergency medical services and trauma care during a public health emergency. Lastly, the legislation would allow HHS to award grants to improve trauma care in rural areas.
I am pleased to have the support of the Trauma Center Association of America for this bill, and I urge our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us in cosponsoring this legislation and working toward its expeditious passage.
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