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State Reports

Trauma System in Alaska

About the System

A trauma system is an organized multidisciplinary response to managing treatment of severely injured people and it spans the full spectrum of prevention and emergency care to recovery and rehabilitation.

An inclusive trauma system is a network of definitive care facilities providing a spectrum of care for injured patients. All levels of trauma centers( Levels I- IV) cooperate in care of injured patients to improve patient care and outcomes, effectively utilize limited resources, and minimize variations in care provided in all locations.

A trauma system enhances the chance of survival by making sure the “right person, to the right place, at the right time”

Extensive data demonstrates nationally there is a up to 35% increase in survival rates of seriously injured patients that are treated at a designated trauma center vs. a non-designated trauma center.

The death rate from unintentional injury is more than 50% higher in rural areas than urban areas. Alaska continues to have the third highest trauma mortality rate in the nation.

Alaska State Statutes

Guidelines for Burn Resuscitation

Guidelines for the Management of Acute Blunt Head Trauma in Alaska

Pediatric Consultation and Transfer Guidelines

Prehospital Use of TXA in Head Injured Patients

Trauma System Review Committee (TSRC)

Links

  • American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational association of surgeons founded to improve the quality of care for the surgical patient by setting high standards for surgical education and practice. The Committee on Trauma works to improve the care of injured and critically ill patients – before, en route to, and during hospitalization. Their web site has information on trauma center designation and Advanced Trauma Life Support courses.
  • American Trauma Society is dedicated to the prevention of trauma and improvement of trauma care. The society is a strong advocate for injury care and prevention and have numerous programs.
  • American College of Emergency Physicians promotes the highest standards of patient care through its advocacy and leadership efforts. Their web site has numerous resources on a variety of topics.
  • TRAUMA.ORG provides global education, information and communication resources for professionals in trauma and critical care.
  • Society of Trauma Nurses is professional nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure optimal trauma care to all people through initiatives focused on trauma nurses related to prevention, education and collaboration with other healthcare disciplines.
  • National Trauma Institute whose priorities span the continuum of care from pre-hospital (first responders) to recovery and rehabilitation, and we set a research agenda each year to address the areas of most pressing need.
  • Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma provides a forum for the exchange of knowledge to advance the care and rehabilitation of the injured patient.
  • Alaska RESPOND provides a structured network of trained and licensed healthcare professionals who are ready, willing and able to respond during a disaster or public health emergency and provide optimal care to those in need.