Trauma Injury and Violence Prevention (IVP)

Trauma prevention is a primary component of the Washington Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Trauma System (RCW 70.168.010 (3) (4)). The Washington State Department of Health is dedicated to trauma injury prevention by enhancing individual skills, supporting community education, and aligning statewide prevention efforts. Injury prevention within the EMS and trauma care framework holds significant potential to improve community health, build a culture of safety, and significantly reduce trauma-related injuries and hospitalizations. We work with Regional EMS and Trauma Care Councils, EMS providers and services, emergency departments, trauma designated hospitals, healthcare providers, and programs established under RCW 35.21.930: Community assistance referral and education services program (CARES programs), and other first responders to provide opportunities for public education and system improvements for creating healthier and safer communities.

We, in collaboration with partners, develop strategies and promote programs for trauma-related injury prevention using evidence-based programs, partnerships, and awareness campaigns to reduce 9-1-1 calls, injuries, hospitalizations, and deaths from trauma in Washington state.

Key Initiatives

  • Older adult falls prevention
  • Healthy aging resources
  • Preventing child window falls
  • Bike and helmet safety
  • Stop the Bleed programs
  • Motor vehicle traffic safety
  • Mental health fitness for first responders

IVP Technical Advisory Committee (IVP TAC)

The IVP is an advisory committee to the Washington State EMS and Trauma Care Steering Committee (steering committee). The committee is led by the department to support trauma-related injury and violence prevention efforts with representation from external partners across the continuum of EMS and trauma care, Regional EMS and Trauma Care Councils, trauma designated hospitals, EMS, local health districts, and more. The IVP convenes quarterly throughout the year collaboratively with the Statewide Older Adult Falls Prevention Coalition and submits an annual report to the steering committee on its activities.

DOH representative: Marla Emde

Subscribe to Trauma Injury and Violence Prevention (IVP) TAC 

Grant Awards and Outcomes

National Council on Aging (NCOA) Innovations in Falls Prevention within EMS grant. 

Date: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Award amount: $75,000 for one year 

Participants: 

  • Mason County EMS
  • North Mason Regional Fire Authority
  • South Mason Fire and Rescue 

Objective: Reduce the number of 9-1-1 calls for older adult falls and lift assists in Mason County by implementing a physical therapy referral program for improving strength and balance, including education, resources and fall risk mitigation efforts for reducing older adult falls, fall-related injuries and deaths.

Outcome: Will be updated as the project progresses and data is collected and analyzed.

Tools and Resources