Wisconsin Trauma System

As an American College of Surgeons, Level II verified trauma center, Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital plays a significant role in the development and implementation of Wisconsin's statewide trauma care system. Offering the reqion's highest level of trauma care means patients transfer from great distances for specialized trauma care.

What is a trauma system?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in collaboration with the American Trauma Society

"A trauma system is an organized, coordinated effort in a defined geographic area that delivers the full range of care to all injured patients and is integrated with the local public health system. The true value of a trauma system is derived from the seamless transition between each phase of care, integrating existing resources to achieve improved patient outcomes. Success of a trauma system is largely determined by the degree to which it is supported by public policy.

Trauma systems are regionalized, making efficient use of health care resources. Trauma systems are based on the unique requirements of the population served, such as rural, inner-city, urban, or Native American communities. Trauma systems must emphasize the prevention of injuries in the context of community health. Ultimately, nationwide development of trauma systems would allow for seamless and effective care across the United States with the ability to expand to meet the medical needs of the community from a man-made or natural disaster."

The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma state trauma systems involve all components of optimal trauma care, such as prevention, access, acute hospital care, rehabilitation, and research activities.

Trauma System Benefits

Trauma systems save lives!!!

It has been well demonstrated in the literature that states that have implemented sophisticated systems of trauma care have reduced deaths related to injury by 10%.

Trauma systems will possess the distinct ability to identify risk factors and related interventions to prevent injuries in a community, and will maximize the integrated delivery of optimal resources for patients who ultimately need acute trauma care. Trauma systems will address the daily demands of trauma care and form the basis for disaster preparedness. The resources required for each component of a trauma system will be clearly identified, deployed and studied to ensure that all injured patients gain access to the appropriate level of care in a timely, coordinated and cost-effective manner.

Benefits of the Trauma System for Wisconsin

  • To catch up with the rest of the country.WI is still one of 15 states without an organized state trauma system. (2003, JAMA 289: 1515-1522).
  • 7845 Years of Productive Life Saved.
    • Based on 15% reduction in injury related deaths.This figure would be much higher if it included years saved due to decreased recovery and disability time for survivors.
  • $64,288,000 saved (64 lives) from associated loss due to economic costs of MV crash deaths alone.
  • Based on National Safety Council estimates on costs for death only.Total economic cost for all injuries is estimated higher than the cost of deaths.
  • 406 lives saved - WI total
    • Based on 15% reduction in all trauma deaths (2708 in 1998).
  • 64 Lives Saved from Motor vehicle crashes
  • Based on 9% reduction in motor vehicle crash deaths (9% of 1998 total of MV crash deaths = >700)

For regional information on the statewide trauma system and/or Regional Trauma Advisory Council, please go to the following web site: www.ncrtac-wi.org

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