Rural trauma victims require stabilization and effective collaboration with higher level care facilities for good outcomes.
Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital hosts special training this week to ensure Benzie County residents and visitors receive the quality care they need should trauma needs occur. The hospital has invested in technology and its Emergency Department facility in recent years in order to better prepare for trauma situations.
“We know that having the right equipment is important and so is the right level of training and education,” said Nancy Reye, M.D., medical director for the hospital’s Emergency Department. “Our training this week emphasizes best practices for initial management of trauma patients.”
Hospital Emergency Department staff on Wednesday will go through a Rural Trauma Team Development Course developed by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma that emphasizes a team approach and defined roles as the patient is stabilized and prepared to transfer to a higher level of care.
The course is sponsored by Munson Medical Center’s Department of Trauma and Acute Surgery, Munson Regional EMS Education, and the hospital. Medical Director for Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Kristen Sihler, M.D.; trauma surgeon Joel Strehl, D.O., Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Program Manager Shamarie Regenold, MSN, FNP-BC; Munson Healthcare Regional EMS Manager Laura Criddle, EMT-P; and Paul Oliver Trauma Program Coordinator Barbara Smith, R.N., will offer presentations.
Training will include class time and hands-on practice with mock trauma scenarios and skill review stations.
“New and better techniques are continuously developed,” Dr. Reye said. “As part of the Munson Healthcare System, we are pleased to work collaboratively with the Munson Medical Center’s trauma team to introduce these new techniques at our hospitals.”