DHS - Office of Preparedness and Emergency Health Care

Emergency health care and preparedness supports and enhances the capacity of the state, local and tribal public health departments, and health care systems, to prepare for public health threats and emergencies through planning, exercising, responding and training.

Functions include planning, coordination and responsibility for:

• Grant management/contract administration
• Pandemic influenza
• The Strategic National Stockpile
• Performance measures and requirements, including training, drills, exercises and after-action reports
• Communication (routine, risk, media)
• Partnering and outreach
• Liaison roles with other public and private agencies, local health departments/tribes, hospitals, workgroups, expert panels and committees

The office includes the State Trauma Program, whose mission is to ensure that all trauma patients in Wisconsin receive comprehensive trauma care, and Emergency Medical Services for Children and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), which oversees all licensing, education, training, policy and practice issues related to emergency medical services. EMS also manages ambulance service provider grants and coordinates EMS activities statewide.

The office is responsible for assuring that pre-hospital patient care standards are met, evaluating the effectiveness of services provided and following up on deviations from care standards and other state regulations.

The office maintains a close working relationship with local health departments, tribal health centers, health care providers, a variety of community-based direct service agencies and other state and federal agencies.