Okla. Stat. tit. 63, § 63-1-2530.1: Legislative findings and intent

A. The Legislature hereby finds and declares that:

1. Traumatic injury is the leading cause of death for persons

under forty (40) years of age, and the third leading cause of death

overall for persons of all ages. Traumatic injury is the leading

cause of lost years of potential life for Oklahomans sixty-five (65)

years of age and younger;

2. In addition to the physical and emotional losses that result

from traumatic injury, the economic costs of such injuries, which

include lost wages, medical expenses and indirect costs, far exceed

losses for other diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke and

diabetes;

3. Trauma systems dramatically reduce morbidity and mortality

from major injuries; and

4. Development and improvement of trauma systems is beneficial

to all citizens.

B. In order to improve the health and well-being of the people

of this state, it is necessary to improve and further develop trauma

systems by encouraging hospitals and emergency medical service

providers to provide an organized system of trauma care.