Does EMS take a person to the trauma center or ER?

Yes, EMS personnel (paramedics and EMT's) take trauma victims to the closest hospital that houses a trauma program. Not all hospitals have a trauma program. Some hospitals are designated as trauma centers because of the specialized services they provide, such as having a certain type of surgeon and radiologist available in the ER to provide treatment to trauma patients. Trauma bays are located in ER's or are attached or in nearby buildings, depending on the size of the program. EMS personnel use certain  criteria to know where to take trauma patients. Some trauma victims are taken to the trauma center by a trauma chopper (helicopter). This depends on the trauma center and the resources of the city and the state. There are many rules and regulations that guide and oversee  trauma services.