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

When Does Bleeding Need Emergency Care?

A variety of incidents and medical conditions can cause bleeding externally or internally. Injuries and wounds are obvious sources. Medical conditions that can cause bleeding include hemophilia, leukemia, liver disease, menorrhagia or prolonged menstrual bleeding, thrombocytopenia or low blood platelet count, von Willebrand disease, vitamin K deficiency, brain trauma, colon diverticulosis, lung cancer and acute bronchitis.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

If you think you have internal bleeding, get emergency medical help right away. Internal bleeding can become life-threatening very quickly. People with bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia and those who take blood thinners should also seek help right away to stop the bleeding. Here are some situations when you should seek medical help:


1. The person is in shock or has a fever
2. Bleeding cannot be controlled even when using pressure or a tourniquet

3. The bleeding was caused by a serious injury
4. The wound may need stitches to stop the bleeding

5. Foreign objects, such as gravel or dirt, are stuck inside the wound and can't be removed easily with gentle cleaning
6. Signs of infection develop, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, pus, yellow or brown fluid, swollen lymph nodes or red streaks spreading from the site toward the heart

7. The injury occurred due to an animal or human bite
8. The person with an injury has not had a tetanus shot in the last 5 to 10 years

Any bleeding that is left untreated could be fatal. Slow blood loss can add up over time and cause major organ injury, or possibly even death. It is important to remember that severe bleeding or bleeding to death can occur without any visible external bleeding, such as ruptured blood vessel aneurysms.

When you have symptoms of any medical condition or if your condition is not life-threatening but you're concerned about your health and well-being, please do not delay medical care. Go to the nearest hospital or call 911. We're here for you.

Sources:
MedlinePlus
Healthline

Emergency Room Services