30th Anniversary of the Oregon Trauma System

 When we celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the Oregon Trauma System, it was more than just a milestone. It was a reflection of how much we've grown and how much farther we have to go to provide high-quality trauma care to all of the communities throughout Oregon.

I have spent my whole career working with trauma and critical care, so I have witnessed firsthand how quickly and effectively an appropriate and skilled intervention can lead to a successful outcome, and ultimately save a person's life. Where a patient's injury occurs directly impacts his or her ability to survive; in many rural communities, the delay in receiving medical attention can be devastating. That is the reason that enhancing trauma responses outside of our urban areas is a top priority for me.

Building a Stronger Rural Network

As part of the 30th Anniversary Celebration, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and Legacy Emanuel Medical Center gave away four separate grants to first responders in rural areas. The purpose of these grants was to allow the first responders to obtain the equipment they need to perform their duties, as well as to receive additional training on their response systems.

While the monetary value of each grant may have been relatively small compared to other awards, the potential impact of the grants was significant. The funds were awarded to paramedics, volunteer rescue groups, and small hospitals that serve some of the most remote and isolated areas within the state of Oregon. These individuals are typically the ones who respond to the scene of an accident when the police arrive, and as such, the support received through these grants had the potential to positively affect the initial treatment of the patient.

Baker City Fire Rescue used its grant to upgrade its existing ambulance to a mass casualty vehicle that includes trauma related supplies and equipment. The Blue Mountain Hospital in John Day used its grant to purchase Stop the Bleed Kits and to conduct training sessions with volunteers and community members. As previously mentioned, both of these improvements are critical in areas that are geographically isolated and far removed from major population centers, as they can limit the access to hospitals during emergency situations.

Collaboration Saves Lives

Working with Legacy Emanuel on this project has been very gratifying. As partners, we have conducted numerous free Stop the Bleed classes throughout Oregon, and have trained hundreds of community members on how to stop bleeding prior to professional assistance arriving at the scene. Additionally, we have collaborated on the Rural Trauma Team Development Course, which is designed to enhance the coordination efforts of smaller hospitals during emergencies.

Trauma care begins long before the patient arrives at the hospital. It begins with the first person to respond to the scene of an accident. By empowering first responders, law enforcement personnel, and volunteers at the local level, we expand the scope of the trauma system and enhance the chances of survival for the patient.

Challenges Remain in Providing Rural Trauma Care

Despite the advances made in providing trauma care, rural trauma remains one of the most challenging problems facing the medical field today. Patients injured in rural areas are approximately two times more likely to die than patients injured in urban areas. While this disparity is reflective of the geographic isolation and limited access to medical facilities, it is not indicative of the skill and dedication of the healthcare professionals involved.

In order to successfully address the issue of rural trauma, healthcare organizations and government entities must collaborate and utilize creative solutions. The use of telemedicine is now allowing medical specialists to provide guidance to rural healthcare providers in real-time. Additional training opportunities are becoming available to enhance the skills of first responders. Additionally, partnerships between organizations such as OHSU and Legacy Emanuel Medical Center will continue to implement cutting-edge trauma care methods in rural communities.

A Sustainable Path Forward

We have learned at OHSU that sustainability is dependent upon the connections that exist between hospitals, agencies, and communities. When knowledge is shared among all parties involved, the overall performance of the system is enhanced. Each component of the system, whether it be the volunteer fireman responding to a call for service or the Level 1 trauma surgeon performing surgery, is essential to the process of saving lives.

A New Horizon

Thirty years ago, the Oregon Trauma System was established as a network of hospitals and emergency services. Its mission was simple yet ambitious – to provide quality trauma care to every Oregon resident. The anniversary celebration of the Oregon Trauma System reminded us that progress is often achieved by taking small steps. A grant, a training course, or a new partnership can have long-lasting consequences. Today, our focus is on continuing to build stronger ties between our rural and urban provider networks.

Every first responder should be given the necessary tools and training to respond with confidence in emergency situations. Every patient should have access to medical care regardless of their geographic location.

Personal Reflection

For me, this milestone represented more than just a celebration. It marked a point in time to reflect on what we have accomplished and what lies ahead. I have worked with countless people who are willing to put themselves in harm's way to assist others. Their dedication and passion inspire me every day.

Each time I travel to rural communities and witness volunteers preparing for emergencies, I am reminded of why this type of work is important. These individuals are the backbone of our trauma system. They remind us that every second counts and that every attempt to improve care has positive results.

My commitment to Oregon's evolving trauma network remains unchanged. We will continue to promote education, innovation, and collaboration. Working together, we will ensure that every patient, regardless of where he or she suffers an injury, receives the best opportunity to survive and recover.

That is the true measurement of a strong and effective trauma system. A system based on expertise, as well as compassion and cooperation that extends to every corner of our state.