WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Federally funded EMS-related programs will have to tighten their belts after coming up short in President Bush's budget.

A measure to assist states with the development of trauma facilities received no funding at all. Other EMS programs saw a 1.7 percent cut across the board.

The House and Senate grappled with the numbers for some time, trying to reach an agreement, said Lisa Meyer, vice president of Cornerstone Government Affairs.

"The president was standing his ground. He said he would not sign anything over his budget," she said, adding that legislators knew he was not willing to budge.

Although state EMS officials across the nation had hoped to get funds for trauma systems, it didn't happen.

In May, they were cautiously optimistic when Bush signed the Trauma Care Systems Planning Development Act of 2007.

While it's authorized for $12 million annually for the first two years, a funding mechanism was not included.

EMS officials felt the administration had listened to the IOM report that was critical of EMS and trauma care in the United States. They believed breathing new life into the act would make a difference.

While the Senate authorized some money, the House did not. In the end, it got zeroed out.

"We're very disappointed it was not funded," said Dr. Bob Bass, executive director of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS).

"There are six or seven states (or territories) without any organized trauma care," Bass said. "It's important to help those states."

Of the 44 states with trauma systems, only five or six were deemed to be fully functional. The money would have helped fund various programs to insure that seriously injured patients get the best care.

This isn't the first time the federal government has attempted to help trauma systems. In the early '90s, the measure was under the Public Health Service Act.

Even though the bill reached its sunset a few years ago, state EMS officials who had developed strong relationships remained committed to working to improve their trauma systems.

"Our goal is to have a seamless system from coast to coast," Bass said. "Patients everywhere should have rapid response, transport and a trauma center."

Bass said state EMS officials remain steadfast in their effort to educate legislators about trauma system issues.

The following programs saw cuts but remain funded at the levels listed below:

Under the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

• Rural and Community Access to AEDs: $1.5 million
• EMS for Children: $19.45 million
• Traumatic Brain Injury: $8.75 million
• Rural Outreach Grants: $48 million
• Rural Hospital Flex Grants: $37.7 million
• Poison Control: $26.5 million

Under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Prevention Block Grant: $97.3 million
• Injury Prevention (NCIPC): $137.2 million