Mattera EMS Task Force Testimony 12-11
Testimony of Connie J. Mattera, MS, RN, EMT-P Chair, Illinois EMS Education Committee EMS Administrative Director, Northwest Community EMS System Arlington Heights, Il Trauma Nurse Specialist Course Coordinator December 1, 2011 Forty years ago, men and women of conviction, courage, and determination harnessed the national vision set forth in the National Academy of Sciences, National Research Council “White Paper”, Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society and announced to the world, “We can do better.” Legendary leaders in Illinois, such as Doctors David Boyd, Bruce Flashner, Stan Zydlo and countless others worked tirelessly with elected officials headed by Gov. Ogilvie, community activists, hospital administrators, physicians, nurses, fire departments, fire protection districts, private industry, rescue workers, health departments, healthcare organizations, and ordinary people whose passion for service was ignited as they saw the opportunity to create an extraordinary good for our citizens. This was clearly not easy. They faced significant challenges and had to break through barriers, overcome opposition, create resources where they had not previously existed, collaborate on many levels to inform, communicate, educate, legislate, cooperate, and compromise when necessary to birth the Illinois Trauma and EMS Systems. The planners had to consider our geographic, political, economic, and human diversity and find the common ground that would enable all to participate as they were able. Infrastructure had to be built and resourced that would sustain such a monumental undertaking. Educators were recruited and educational programs had to be created to support the practice needs of the workers. And yet despite these formidable odds, Trauma Systems and EMS in Illinois not only evolved, but were seen as best practice models for the nation.
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