title: Queensland emergency medical system: a structural and organizational model for the emergency medical system in Australia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The emergency medical system (EMS) can be defined as a comprehensive, coordinated and integrated system of care for patients suffering acute illness and injury. The aim of the present paper is to describe the evolution of the Queensland Emergency Medical System (QEMS) and to recommend a strategic national approach to EMS development.
  
  
  METHODS
  Following the formation of the Queensland Ambulance Service in 1991, a state EMS committee was formed. This committee led the development and approval of the cross portfolio QEMS policy framework that has resulted in dynamic policy development, system monitoring and evaluation. This framework is led by the Queensland Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There has been considerable progress in the development of all aspects of the EMS in Queensland. These developments have derived from the improved coordination and leadership that QEMS provides and has resulted in widespread satisfaction by both patients and stakeholders.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The strategic approach outlined in the present paper offers a model for EMS arrangements throughout Australia. We propose that the Council of Australian Governments should require each state and Territory to maintain an EMS committee. These state EMS committees should have a broad portfolio of responsibilities. They should provide leadership and direction to the development of the EMS and ensure coordination and quality of outcomes. A national EMS committee with broad representation and broad scope should be established to coordinate the national development of Australia's EMS.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Qld 4059, Australia. gj.fitzgerald@qut.edu.au
authors.forename: Gerry
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: FitzGerald
authors.forename: Vivienne
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tippett
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schuetz
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: Trevor
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tighe
authors.forename: Noel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gillard
authors.forename: Jim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Higgins
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Elcock
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D016730:Program Development; D011793:Queensland