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.
Uncovering Burns: What to Know and When to Call 911
CAUSES
Fire
Chemical
Electrical
Hot Liquid
Extreme Sun Exposure
TYPES
First-Degree Burns Red Skin Without Blisters
Second-Degree Burns Thickening Skin with Blisters
Third-Degree Burns White, Leathery, Thickening Skin in a Large Area
TREATMENT
First-Degree and Second-Degree Burns Soak in cool water, and apply antibiotic ointment. Seek medical treatment if the burn affects a large area of skin.
Third-Degree Burns Call 911 immediately. Do not self-treat this type of burn.
PREVENTION
Install covers over electrical outlets.
Keep chemicals out of reach, and wear gloves while using them.
Keep a fire extinguisher in your home.
Test smoke detectors once a month.
Turn pot handles away from the front of the stove.
