Minnesota § 144.604 - TRAUMA TRIAGE AND TRANSPORTATION
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 144.604 — TRAUMA TRIAGE AND TRANSPORTATION, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 144.604. TRAUMA TRIAGE AND TRANSPORTATION
Subdivision 1.Transport requirement.
Unless the director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services has approved a licensed ambulance service's deviation from the guidelines under section 144E.101, subdivision 14, the ambulance service must transport major trauma patients from the scene according to subdivision 2.
Subd. 2.Ground ambulance transportation.
Ground ambulances must immediately transport patients with compromised airways to the nearest designated trauma hospital. If no designated trauma hospital exists within 30 minutes transport time, the patient must be transported to the closest hospital. In cases where a patient does not have a compromised airway, the ground ambulance must transport major trauma patients:
(1) to a level I or level II trauma hospital within 30 minutes transport time;
(2) if no level I or level II trauma hospital exists within 30 minutes transport time, the patient must be transported to the closest designated trauma hospital within 30 minutes transport time or to a more appropriate higher designated trauma hospital if predetermined by the ambulance service medical director; or
(3) if no designated trauma hospital exists within 30 minutes transport time, the patient must be transported to the closest hospital.
Subd. 3.
[Repealed, 2009 c 74 s 4]
History:
1Sp2005 c 4 art 6 s 27; 2008 c 156 s 3; 2009 c 74 s 1,2; 2024 c 122 art 1 s 24; 2024 c 127 art 63 s 22
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 144.604
What does Minnesota Statutes § 144.604 cover?
Section 144.604 ("TRAUMA TRIAGE AND TRANSPORTATION") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 144.604?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 144.604" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 144.604 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.