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The Trauma Center is classified as “Level I,” which means it provides the highest level of specialty expertise and meets strict national standards. Specialized teams, facilities and equipment are available around the clock, 365 days a year, to treat life-threatening injuries.
The Trauma TeamUpon arrival at the Trauma Center, all patients are met by the trauma team, which is staffed and ready at all times. The trauma team — a group of specialized healthcare professionals — is organized to provide care in a coordinated and timely manner. The team approach to the care of trauma patients is critical; each team member has a specific role to perform under the direction of the trauma team leader.
Trauma patients are quickly assessed for major injuries. If more than one organ system is injured, a patient is admitted to the trauma service. If a single system is injured, then the appropriate specialty surgical service assumes the care of the patient.
Our highly trained trauma team means that all staff who need to care for patients will be at the patients side in their most critical moment — from the trauma surgeon who performs emergency surgery, if needed, to the neurosurgeon who treats a head injury or the chaplain who waits with family members.
Early intervention by the rehabilitation team allows the evaluation of the patient from a medical and functional perspective, which helps surgeons determine what rehabilitation interventions are needed. A physical medicine and rehabilitation physician (physiatrist) evaluates patients with brain, spinal cord, orthopaedic or multiple trauma injuries in the intensive care unit, sometimes within 24 hours of their injury. Early contact with severely injured persons provides an opportunity for patient and family education about the patient's future rehabilitation needs. These early discussions are well received and help patients achieve their maximum recovery.
Last Review Date: Sept 28, 2011 Online Editor(s): Kathryn Adam |