This section defines terms related to the management and treatment of trauma cases. A 'trauma case' refers to an injured person who needs to be taken to a special trauma center after being assessed by emergency personnel. A 'trauma facility' is a designated health center prepared to handle serious injuries, as determined by local emergency medical services. The 'trauma care system' describes how injured people are transported to and treated at the right trauma centers.

This law requires drafting and adopting regulations for trauma care systems by certain deadlines, with the goal of integrating these systems into existing emergency medical services. The regulations need to address aspects such as how trauma cases are managed before hospital admission, the movement and location of trauma patients, necessary trauma case volume for facility quality, required resources and equipment, and staff qualifications.

They also cover data collection and performance evaluations. Exceptions can be granted if a local emergency medical services agency shows it's necessary for the well-being of people in their area.

This law governs the implementation of trauma care systems by local emergency medical services agencies. To set up such a system, agencies must follow certain regulations and get a plan approved by the relevant authority. Public hearings must be held with notice given to hospitals and interested parties. Local agencies can set stricter standards if they choose.

Santa Clara County has special permission to start a trauma care system before state regulations are put in place, but must ensure their system matches any future state rules.

A local emergency medical services (EMS) agency that sets up a trauma care system must create policies and procedures that meet or exceed the basic standards established by a higher authority's regulations. The local EMS agency is also allowed to implement stricter standards if they choose to do so.

This California law allows local emergency medical services agencies to charge fees to facilities applying for or maintaining trauma designation. The fees cover costs related to trauma facility designation and planning.

Agencies must provide an annual report detailing how the fees are used, which must be shared with both the state authority and the trauma facilities that paid. This report ensures transparency and that fees are spent appropriately.

The state authority can specify the format of these reports.

Local emergency medical services can officially designate certain hospitals or facilities as trauma centers within their system, following specific rules. A facility can only be designated for the type of trauma care it is qualified to provide. Health care providers are prohibited from using terms like 'trauma center' or 'trauma hospital' in advertising or materials unless they are authorized by the local emergency medical services agency.

This law states that if a local emergency medical services agency in California wants to start a trauma care system after January 1, 1984, it needs to create a plan and submit it to the relevant authority. The plan must follow existing regulations before the trauma care system can be implemented.

This law states that the boundaries of any local emergency medical services agency that existed on January 1, 1984, remain unchanged by anything in this article.

This part of the law states that the California Highway Patrol (CHP) can use their helicopters for any mission they decide benefits the people of California. There's nothing here that limits the types of missions they can take on.