Do We Need All Those Trauma Centers in the US?

There are a lot of trauma centers in the US. Unfortunately, they are not very evenly distributed.

 How Designers Are Reinventing Trauma Care to Save Soldiers' Lives

Trauma care is hectic by its very nature. But in hospitals, where a minute lost to disorganization and miscommunications can make the difference between life, death or an extended stay, even the tiniest of extraneous disruptions can turn into a huge problem.

 How Many Trauma Centers should there be?

There is already literature showing that adding additional (too many?) trauma centers to a region can have a negative impact on patient volumes and resource availability at Level I and II centers.

 The Decline of Emergency Care

Trauma centers and emergency departments across the U.S. have been closing at alarming rates. The people who stand to lose the most are those already put at a disadvantage by the health-care system.

 What Happens When a New Trauma Center Opens in Your Backyard?

More trauma centers generally equals fewer patients for existing ones. Unfortunately, the decision to become a trauma center these days, especially levels II and III, tends to be based on business factors.

 What It Was Like to Be a Surgeon in Las Vegas’ Busiest Trauma Unit After Sunday’s Massacre

I didn’t expect this volume. I didn’t expect to see 214 people show up.

Closing the gaps in the nation's trauma system

To build a better way to care for severely injured, every hospital must play a part, whether an official trauma center or not. How can that happen?

Do You Know Where Your Nearest Trauma Center is?

Find your nearest Trauma Center U.S. only.

Helicopters Save Lives for Serious Trauma Victims

A medical helicopter flight is not without risks, either. Between 2004 and 2010, 53 emergency medical helicopters crashed, killing 77 crew and patients. Private medevac helicopter companies have been criticized for risking additional lives by flying in dangerous conditions. Despite the latest results, Haider cautions that, "helicopters are not the panacea." Often an ambulance is a perfectly logical choice.

Inside a Trauma Unit: A Ballet of Organized Chaos

In October 2012, The Wall Street Journal got an inside look at the "ballet of organized chaos" that is a normal shift at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, MD.

Medical Helicopters - Are They Worth the Risk?

Medical transport by air remains controversial primarily because of its cost and dismal safety record! Do medical helos really make a difference?

Trauma Care: Will It Be There When You Need It?

All of us take for granted that if we become the unfortunate victim of a tragic accident or terrorist attack that this type of care will be available to us. However, there are issues that threaten trauma care in the United States today.

Trauma Center Levels Explained

Trauma Center designation is a process outlined and developed at a state or local level. The state or local municipality identifies unique criteria in which to categorize Trauma Centers. These categories may vary from state to state and are typically outlined through legislative or regulatory authority.

Trauma Centers: Things You Need But Didn’t Know You Needed

Think about some things you didn’t know you needed … or hoped you’d never need … until you do. A fire extinguisher. A clone of your toddler’s stuffed animal; the one that you lost on vacation and she can’t sleep without. A digital assistant, such as Ask Google, Siri or Alexa. Yep, pretty smart thinking on your part to have these items on hand in a situation. That’s how it is with trauma centers.

Trauma System Agenda for the Future

Trauma systems will possess the distinct ability to identify risk factors and related interventions to prevent injuries in a community, and will maximize the integrated delivery of optimal resources for patients who ultimately need acute trauma care.