“In Massachusetts, point of entry for EMS is governed by the EMS System regulations and their definition of “appropriate health care facility.” An appropriate health care facility is the emergency department of an acute care hospital, or a licensed satellite emergency department, that is closest geographically (by time) to the patient’s location, or in compliance with a Department of Public Health-approved point of entry plan”
Trauma / Burns Point-of-Entry
Trauma (traumatic injury) – Tissue or organ injury, or both, sustained by the transfer of environmental energy. (Regional Trauma Systems; Optimal Elements Integration and Assessment; Systems Consultation Guide 2008)
Map courtesy of Mass.gov
ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Point-of-Entry
STEMI - patients with signs and symptoms of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) being managed at the paramedic level are transported to the most clinically appropriate facility.
Stroke Point-of-Entry
Stroke - when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it starts to die. (Stroke Association Definition)