The Emergency Medical Services Authority

EMSA is organizationally located in the Health and Welfare Agency and is responsible for the "coordination and integration of all state activities concerning emergency medical services (Division 2.5 of the Health and Safety Code, Section 1797. 1)." The EMS Authority is mandated to develop and implement regulations that set training standards and the scope of practice for emergency medical personnel (EMT-1, EMT-11, EMT-Paramedic, Mobile Intensive Care Nurses, firefighters, peace officers and lifeguards). The agency reviews local and regional EMS plans to ensure compliance with state laws and guidelines. It promulgates Trauma Care System regulations as well as guidelines for the assessment of critical care capabilities of hospitals in order to assure appropriate patient care. The agency also certifies Regional Poison Control Centers and partially funds their operation. The EMS Authority operates the State paramedic testing and registry program. This service administers certification tests to all paramedic candidates in California to ensure that they meet the high standards of prehospital care. Working with a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, the EMS Authority is developing an injury prevention program. Its primary goal is to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with traffic injuries. A second grant funds an EMS data enhancement project. The EMS Authority has received a grant from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Department of Health and Human Services, to enhance emergency medical care for children in California. In California, county government has the principal responsibility for assuring disaster preparedness at the local level. EMSA can set guidelines and standards, and provide technical assistance to counties. However, responsibility for system design and response management belongs to the local EMS system during a disaster.

Medical Care for the Injured

Continue to Disaster Response Responsibilities

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