Injuries and trauma can be preventable. However, in a fast-paced world, many people tend to overlook prevention measures that help avoid injuries and sometimes life-threatening medical emergencies.
Different from an illness, traumatic injuries refer to severe physical injuries such as an accident, violence or natural disaster that happen quickly and require immediate medical attention. The types of injuries is an extensive list with falls, followed by motor-vehicle crashes as the most common. From Jan. 1, 2020, to Jan. 1, 2021, more than 41,000 traumas occurred in Missouri.
Bothwell Regional Health Center’s Time Critical Diagnosis Coordinator (TCD) Shari Riley has years of experience taking care of patients in emergency departments and intensive care and cardiac care units. As a TCD, Riley uses a standardized approach to evidence-based care ensuring all patients are receiving the best care in a timely manner and that the community has access to the types of care that Bothwell provides. Throughout her career, she has seen many different injuries.
“Accidents happen, and when they do, it’s important to seek care as soon as possible,” Riley said. “The quicker you can be evaluated and treated for an injury, the more likely important health measures can be used to help save your life.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year more than 50,000 Americans die from traumatic injuries that can include motor vehicle accidents, violence, burns, drownings and more. Injuries are not typically random or unpredictable. While traumas are serious, many can be prevented by paying closer attention to surroundings and using common sense to avoid unnecessary risk and traumatic injury.
Recognizing and addressing the forces that cause injuries and trauma can help with educating and preventing accidents and deaths. These factors include choices people make in their daily lives, the physical environment in the home, community and on the road and availability of health services in a community.
Traumatic injuries are the leading cause of hospitalization and death of children and adults. As a result, the need for more trauma center locations is on the rise. A certified trauma center can treat severely injured patients, while an Emergency Department treats a broad range of medical emergencies, including heart attacks, chest pain, asthma, allergic reactions and more.
Adding to its scope of care and services for the community, Bothwell has been working toward a Level III trauma center certification since Oct. 31, 2019. Its application is under review by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
“A trauma center designation means Bothwell can rapidly assess, resuscitate, provide emergency care and stabilize patients experiencing a traumatic injury,” Riley said. “Earning this designation will be an important step in caring for patients in a rural area like where Bothwell is located.”
While Bothwell waits for an on-site survey and final review of its application, it’s important to be proactive in injury prevention. Everyone can take a daily approach to injury prevention. Steps to preventing common injuries such as falls include removing tripping hazards around the house or workplace, making sure there is enough light to see a room or space, wearing shoes that fit well and have non-skid soles, using handrails or supportive devices when needed and following outlined safety protocols when using a ladder.
Vehicle accidents can be better prevented by putting down the phone and paying attention while driving, not drinking and driving, using a seat belt and ensuring all passengers are restrained securely, when crossing at a crosswalk as a pedestrian, and watching for cars and assuming they won’t stop. A majority of burn injuries take place at home. During holiday cooking and baking, make sure and have suitable oven mitts to handle dishes coming out of the hot oven and turn off cooking appliances when done.
Riley said it’s important to evaluate situations and practice patience in order to help avoid an unfortunate event.
“Take that extra half-second to look both ways when driving or to check the safety on your firearm before stepping away from it,” she said. “Ensure a child’s car seat is fully buckled and situated according to the car seat safety guidelines. Share the road with farmers and large machinery. While on the farm, wear the appropriate protective gear, stay up-to-date on equipment repair needs and be aware of agitated animals. These are all ways to stay safe.”
