Our Services
Trauma Services
What is Trauma
Trauma is defined as injury to human tissues and organs resulting from the transfer of energy from the environment. Traumatic events are rarely “accidental,” and as such the term “accident” is no longer being used in the trauma literature. Most traumatic deaths and injuries do not happen by chance and are preventable.
Saint Francis Level III Trauma Center
Saint Francis Medical Center Level III Trauma Center as verified by the American College of Surgeons and designated by the State of Nebraska. Verification and designation process are complexed and performed by outside authorities. This process means that Saint Francis is prepared for the trauma patient in every aspect of care and including all the departments that contribute to the patients healing process. Saint Francis is a part of a state-wide trauma network of hospitals and specialty physicians that offer a continuum of trauma care. This is important because if a trauma patient requires a specific specialty surgeon, transfer agreements have been made for the safe transport of the trauma patient to that surgeon. Being a part of the State Trauma System, Saint Francis is Region 3, ensures the latest proven practices for trauma care are being used.
Most people associate trauma medicine with ambulances and the hospital emergency department (ED). Trauma care starts there but also involves a multitude of physicians, nurses and support staff trained in diagnosing and treating trauma patients who may have a multitude of medical needs and coordinating care when seconds count. This timely treatment for patients with critical injuries is what a Trauma Center offers.
Trained-certified staff are always available to care for trauma patients in; the ED, surgical services, during inpatient stays and rehabilitation. At Saint Francis our trauma nurse coordinator visits trauma patients daily and works closely with the trauma medical director, and the trauma surgeon who is leading the patient’s trauma care. A Trauma Surgeon is a physician who leads the patient’s trauma care.
At Saint Francis we understand that a [medical] trauma emergency affects patients and their family in many ways. We offer services such as an Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, Social Work and Pastoral Care to help both patients and their family members through the impact of a trauma. With these resources we can connect the patient and family to other community or state wide resources to help guide them throughout rehabilitation
Anyone can be affected by a trauma and most all can be prevented, so education on safety and prevention is a cornerstone of Saint Francis Medical Center’s Trauma Program. Saint Francis is proud to help educate the communities we serve through Safe Kids Tri-Cities, which promotes helmet use and car seat safety, ENCARE, which educates adolescents on making safe choices, and Movement Improvement, which aims to improve seniors; balance, flexibility and lessen their risk of falls.
Continuing education is an important element of a trauma center. Our trauma program and individual patient care is continually reviewed to ensure the use of the best evidence based practices for trauma care and maintain the level of verified status by the American College of Surgeons. Our healthcare professionals participate in continuing medical education to learn the most advance diagnosis and treatments and offer education to first responders and critical access hospitals staff to help raise the level of care offered across the region.