§ 143-507. Establishment of Statewide Emergency Medical Services System.
Article 56.
Emergency Medical Services Act of 1973.
§ 143‑507. Establishment of Statewide EmergencyMedical Services System.
(a) There is established a comprehensive Statewide EmergencyMedical Services System in the Department of Health and Human Services. Allresponsibility for this System shall be vested in the Secretary of theDepartment of Health and Human Services and other officers, boards, andcommissions specified by law or regulation.
(b) The Statewide Medical Services System includes Emergency MedicalServices and also includes first aid by members of the community; publicknowledge and easy access into the system; prompt emergency medical dispatch ofwell‑designed, equipped, and staffed ambulances; effective care bytrained and credentialed personnel with appropriate disposition at the scene ofthe emergency and while in transit; communications with the treatment centerwhile at the scene and while in transit; routing and referral to theappropriate treatment facility; injury prevention initiatives; wellnessinitiatives within the community and the public health system; and follow‑uplifesaving and restorative care.
(c) The purpose of this Article is to enable and assistproviders of Emergency Medical Services in the delivery of adequate emergencymedical services for all people of North Carolina and the provision of medicalcare during a disaster.
(d) Emergency Medical Services as referred to in this Articleinclude all services rendered by emergency medical services personnel asdefined in G.S. 131E‑155(7) in responding to improve the health andwellness of the community and to address the individual's need for immediateemergency medical care in order to prevent loss of life or further aggravationof physiological or psychological illness or injury. (1973, c. 208, s. 1; 1997‑443, s. 11A.118(a); 2001‑220, s.1.)