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/

Life Hacks to Prevent Five Common Types of Injuries

Injuries can happen to anyone, whether you’re cooking dinner, running down the stairs, walking in high heels or exercising in the gym. While some preventative measures are intuitive, it can’t hurt to brush up on a few reminders that can avoid unwanted downtime. Take note of a few tips for the most common types of injuries.

Bone and Joint Injuries

1. Practice exercises that can help improve your balance, such as standing on one leg.
2. Stretch to warm up muscles and joints before exercise.
3. Use nonskid mats in potentially slippery areas (i.e., bathroom, poolside, etc.)
4. Secure throw rugs with a nonslip pads.
5. Keep electrical cords hidden where they won’t be a tripping hazard.
6. Keep items off of stairways, such as toys or even laundry that needs to go upstairs.
7. Don’t play through pain in sports.
8. Don’t use a chair for a ladder.

Skin Injuries

9. Install smoke alarms and keep batteries current.
10. Put a fire extinguisher in the kitchen or other areas prone to fire. You can also use baking soda to put out small grease fires.
11. Beware of skin contact with strong chemical products.

Animal-related Injuries

12. Do not pet, hold or feed wild or unfamiliar animals.
13. Wear pants and boots when in areas with snakes or other things that bite.

Electrical Injuries

14. Throw away damaged electrical cords or wires.
15. Do not use malfunctioning electrical appliances.
16. Keep children away from electrical cords or sockets.
17. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn (i.e., drapes and newspapers).

Brain Injuries

18. Wear a helmet or protective head gear when riding or using a motorcycle, bike, horse, ski, snowboard or contact sports.
19. Wear your seat belt when driving or riding in a vehicle.
20. Improve your balance to reduce your risk for falls.

Final Notes

While some injuries can be treated using the RICE method (rest, ice, compression and elevation), many of them need immediate care. For instance, dislocated joints and fractures are emergencies, regardless if they’re in your fingers, toes, hips, shoulders or other parts of the body. They’re extremely painful, swollen and noticeably out of place.

Meanwhile, electrical and brain injuries can be life-threatening. Therefore, if you or someone you know experience them, please call 911 immediately. Do not delay care. Your health and safety are our top priorities.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
MedlinePlus
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission