St-Mary

Level 1 Trauma Center

The same great care, just a little faster

The trauma center at St. Mary’s Medical Center and the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital is one of only two state-designated Level I Trauma Centers in Palm Beach County, and one of nine in the state of Florida. This means that our trauma team, composed of award-winning surgeons, specially-trained nurses, anesthesiologists and additional specialists, works with patients through the entire spectrum of a traumatic injury, including prevention education and rehabilitation. Our trauma center works around the clock to deliver prompt, high quality care for patients in critical condition resulting from a serious fall, motor vehicle accident or a violent altercation. For patients that need additional follow-up planning, we also provide more specialized treatment through our trauma clinic.

To earn Level I designation, hospitals must pass certain criteria, including:

  • 24-hour in-house coverage by general surgeons, and prompt availability of care in specialties such as orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, radiology, plastic surgery, oral and maxillofacial, pediatric and critical care. 
  • Referral resource for communities in nearby regions.
  • Providing leadership in prevention, public education to surrounding communities.
  • Operating an organized teaching and research effort to help foster new innovations in trauma care.

Education and injury prevention is a vital part of our trauma program. We devote a significant amount of time to promoting public safety and trauma awareness in Palm Beach County through classes and outreach programs regarding fall prevention, distracted and impaired driving, and the importance of being aware of your surroundings as a pedestrian.

Since 1991, our trauma center has been delivering high-quality care to local communities. We have also committed ourselves to ongoing research projects and reporting our annual data to national agencies in order to help provide our community with more effective, evidence-based medical practices.

If you or a loved one have recently experienced a traumatic injury, below are some resources that may help you through your healing process.

https://www.sidran.org/

http://www.traumasurvivorsnetwork.org/

www.brainline.org/

STM-42820-Trauma-30-Anniv-Seal-300x300-logo

More Information

Beware: Eight Valentine’s Day Emergencies

February 14 is that time of the year when you’ll see people being all-out romantic and appreciative of their loved ones. And while people want to celebrate this day with as much optimism as there is love in the air, unexpected emergencies can still happen. With that in mind, here’s a list of the most common Valentine’s Day emergencies along with some things you can do to prevent them.


1. Burns from romantic candle light set-ups
Candle light is lovely, unless it turns into a full-blown fire. Never leave a burning candle unattended and keep flames away from anything that may catch fire and out of the reach of children and pets.
2. Romantic attempts gone wrong
Sometimes, an attempt to spice up the night may also bring you to the ER. Let’s just say, “play it safe,” and leave it at that.
3. Food poisoning
If you’re preparing a special meal at home, remember to keep your hands and all surfaces clean. Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs away from ready-to-eat foods. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours.

4. Choking over dinner
One method of treating choking is the American Red Cross’ “five-and-five.” Hit the person’s back with the heel of your hand five times between the shoulder blades.
5. Fractures from wearing high heels
If you’re planning to wear high heels, watch out for slips or falls that may lead to a twisted ankle or a fracture.
6. Severe allergic reactions
Find out if your sweetheart has any allergies you need to know about. Allergies to food, fragrances, pollen and some metals in jewelry can ruin your good intentions.

7. Car accidents
Please don’t drink and drive.
8. Pet emergencies
In the spirit of avoiding emergencies, remember your pets, and keep them away from the Valentine’s chocolates, which can be toxic.

Takeaway

It’s good to anticipate Valentine’s Day with excitement and a gift on hand, but it’s also beneficial to be aware of the possible emergencies that may happen on this special day. This way, you can also prevent these Valentine’s Day emergencies or at least be prepared of what to do in case you experience any of them.

Finally, if these emergencies happen to you or to someone you know, whether it’s on Valentine’s Day or a regular day, please don’t hesitate to rush to the ER or call 911 immediately. Our ER is safe and ready to provide care 24/7. Your safe care is our #1 priority.

Sources:
National Candle Association
Centers for Disease Control
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Healthline
Pet Poison Helpline

Emergency Room Services