Centralized UHF emergency medical communications in New Mexico

A statewide emergency medical radio communications UHF network is operational in New Mexico 1) to link larger medical facilities to the state´s sparsely populated rural areas, which have limited or no medical resources and marginal telephone communications, and 2) to assist callers in notifying local medical help, including backup ambulance dispatch capability. Radios have been installed in 95 percent of all certified ambulance and fire rescue services, all hospitals, and many clinics. Three RWJF grantees-the State EMS Division, Presbyterian Medical Services, and the Navajo Health Authority-have coordinated responsibility for UHF equipment installation, operation, maintenance, and public education. The centralized component of the network is maintained by two centers: Medical Crisis Center (MCC) and Santa Fe Control (SFC). Statewide telephone access and dispatch is provided through a 24-h