I am a trauma surgeon at a level I trauma Center (VCU Medical Center, Richmond).

12VAC5-31-1140 A allows the EMS personnel 24 hours to provide accurate written documentation of the pre-hospital condition and treatment of the patient. Patients with time sensitive medical conditions (trauma, stroke, STEMI etc) require life saving therapies within minutes to hours of arriving at the speciality hospital. The nature of the treatment is different depending upon what care has been provided prior to arrival to the hospital. In light of that allowing 24 hours for accurate pre-hospital documentation may complete the paper record but is completely inadequate in helping with appropriate therapy. Verbal reports may be inaccurate and incomplete. EMS personnel should be required to provide an accurate written report about the pre-hospital condition and treatment of every patient they bring to the hospital AT THE TIME OF PATIENT DELIVERY.