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Area’s Only Trauma Center Celebrates 25 Years

If you’ve never had to use a Trauma Center, you might not know the importance of having one close to home. Since unintentional injuries, or traumas, are the leading cause of death for people up to the age of 34 and the fifth leading cause of death overall, Trauma Centers provide a vital community service.

“While there are certain times of the year, including special events, that may cause an increase in traumas, we are required to maintain a high level of readiness at all times,” said Donald Roy, Halifax Health’s Trauma Coordinator. “Providing immediate and effective care drastically increases a patient’s chances of surviving and returning to a normal life.”

One of Florida’s Busiest Trauma Centers

This year, Halifax Health’s Trauma Center is celebrating 25 years of service to East Central Florida. The program was established in 1983 as a result of state legislation and is the sixth busiest of its kind in the state.

“Maintaining Trauma Center designation requires continuous education, training, outreach and preparedness,” said Roy. “This helps to ensure delivery of the highest level of care and expertise to our patients — that’s what really sets us apart.”

Multidisciplinary Treatment

Trauma teams include surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, specialists and a large number of support staff working in conjunction with different areas of the hospital.

Halifax Health serves as one of 21 Trauma Centers in Florida, the only one in the Volusia/Flagler area. This Level II facility requires the ability to provide initial trauma care, regardless of the injury, with physician subspecialists promptly available.

Trauma Fast Facts

• Trauma is a surgical specialty that is vastly different from routine emergency care.
• Mortality rates increase by 15 to 20 percent when a seriously injured patient is treated at a non-trauma center.
• Motor vehicle crashes comprise more than 50 percent of trauma incidents in Florida.