GIBSON CO., IN (WFIE) -
Patients suffering traumatic injuries in Indiana are now more likely to be treated immediately at a verified trauma centers.
We have two of those eight centers in the tri-state.
The difference between a trauma center and a regular ER is more specialized staff and equipment specific to these types of injuries. This, officials tell 14 News, give trauma patients a better chance of surviving.
It's thanks to a new Triage and Transport Rule handed down by the state's EMS commission which specifies which injuries are serious enough to take a patient straight to a trauma center.
Area doctors say they hope this change will help get victims faster and better care.
As the only medical center in the county, Gibson General Hospital's Emergency Room has it's share of busy days.
"We see car wrecks, we see chest pain. We see people with upper respiratory infection, urinary tract infections, broken arms, broken legs, pretty much anything," said Dr. James Spiller, ER doctor at Gibson General Hospital.
Spiller says some injuries are better handled at a state verified trauma center.
"If you have something that's serious, and if it's a trauma patient and if you can get them to a trauma center fast enough, it saves lives. So, they're more prepared, they can take care of that multiply injured patient, they have multiple specialties they can bring in to care for that patient," Spiller said.
This week, the state's EMS commission designated certain injuries that are severe enough for patients to be sent straight to a trauma center. That list includes multiple fractures, brain injuries and paralysis.
Keith Kahre, who manages LifeFlight at St. Mary's Medical Center says changes to the system like this helps hospitals and patients.
"The hospitals that are not trauma centers know, these are the type of patients that need to go to a trauma center, if you know, they come to another hospital," Kahre said.
Kahre says knowing where to send a patient will cut down precious seconds in getting them care.
"Anybody's who is injured, by the time the injury occurs, the clock basically starts ticking," Kahre.
One thing to mention is that emergency personnel must yield to a patient's choice in trauma situations. For example, if a patient insists on going to their own hospital as opposed to a trauma center, despite being advised otherwise, EMS must follow their wishes.
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