Washington Health Trauma Center Achieves One-year Anniversary

In the past year, the Washington Health Trauma Center has treated thousands of patients, including a local resident who leapt from a burning building, as well as victims of car crashes, falls, and other severe injuries.

As the trauma center marks its first year of operation on July 1, Medical Director Chet Morrison, MD, took a moment to reflect on how well the level II center

has served the community.

“From the time we opened, we’ve treated 2,200 patients, which works out to five to six cases a day,” said Dr. Morrison. He recalled a person who fell out of a wheelchair, a person airlifted to the center from Niles Canyon, and many other injuries.

“This high volume of patients clearly speaks to the need our community has for trauma care,” Dr. Morrison explained. The team was prepared for an estimated 1,200 patients a year, but has managed the higher volume, which included both visitors and local residents.

The trauma team, highly skilled in treating life-threatening injuries, is well prepared for summer accidents, anticipating near-drownings, boating and bicycle crashes, and other outdoor mishaps.

Trauma is Preventable

A part of the center’s mission is to educate the community about trauma prevention, sponsoring presentations on water and bicycle safety, fall prevention, and other topics. “We want to educate the community about avoiding injury. Trauma is preventable and we want to prevent it,” Dr. Morrison said.

“We’re a highly trained hard-working team that’s actually trying to reduce the amount of business we have,” he said with a smile. Other community education events have included “Stop the Bleed,” “Choking Awareness,” and “Fall Prevention.”

Dr. Morrison is grateful for his team of four additional trauma surgeons and many specialists, and especially for the first responders who stabilize patients in ambulances.

Having a level II trauma center right in Fremont allows residents to be treated for life-threatening injuries without having to leave the area. Level II is a designation from the American College of Surgeons for hospitals that have trauma surgeons on-site 24/7/365; and prompt access to medical specialties like orthopedics, neurosurgery, and cardiology. The college rates centers from levels I to V. Level I centers can provide the most comprehensive care, while level V stabilize, diagnose, and prepares patients for transfer to a higher-level trauma center. The Washington Health Trauma Center also accepts patients from community hospitals that can’t provide trauma care.

Transporting Patients by Helicopter

Having a helipad allows Washington Health to receive and treat patients from remote areas, such as the person injured in a Niles Canyon farming accident.

The helipad also allows the hospital to medevac patients who need a higher level of care, mostly children and burn victims, sending them to burn centers and USCF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Military, coast guard, and long-range helicopters can land at the helipad, further expanding Washington Health’s regional support to those injured.

In these cases, Dr. Morrison explained that Washington Health Trauma Center will stabilize a patient for transport, and communicate with the center accepting them.

“If you get injured in Southern Alameda County, you don’t have to worry about where to go. Always call 911 for an ambulance to transport you because EMS can start treatment, stop any bleeding, and alert us to your condition so we’re ready when you arrive. The earlier evaluation and treatment are started, the better the outcome,” he added.

Advancements in Lifesaving

The experts at the trauma center stay up to date on the latest advancements in trauma care, including a new technique to treat blood in the chest with a small flexible catheter versus an invasive chest tube, and new ways to care for rib fractures.

Trauma staff take ongoing continued education courses, share care best practices with other regional centers, and sponsor yearly training and conferences. The trauma center has provided more than 80 classes over the last year on awareness and care of traumatic injuries.

“It’s very gratifying to offer trauma care.” Dr. Morrison said. “We’re making a difference, and it’s rewarding to save lives.”

As summer starts, he shares one piece of advice for the community: “Be safe. Drive safely; don’t drink and drive. Be careful when doing outdoor activities, especially on the water. Wear a helmet when biking, and that includes E-bikes.”

For more information on the Washington Health Trauma Center, visit the website, WashingtonHealth.com/Trauma.