title: Development of trauma care systems.
abstract: The modern-day history of trauma care system development encompasses a 45-year period. This report provides a timeline that highlights significant organizational and legislative initiatives that established the foundation of the current trauma system in the United States. The rationale for moving toward a public health approach in addressing trauma system development is explored and supported. Finally, the present-day issues confronting continued trauma system evolution and future opportunities are presented.
authors.affiliation: EMS and trauma consultant, Former Public Health Administrator, San Diego County, CA, USA. gail.cooper@cox.net
authors.forename: Gail
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Laskowski-Jones
mesh_terms: D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D014193:Trauma Centers / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States