Alabama is currently in the process of developing a statewide trauma system which will help save lives and reduce the burden of trauma. The system will improve the chance of survival, regardless of proximity to an urban trauma center. The trauma system is voluntary and all hospitals are invited to participate. Participating hospitals will be designated as levels one, two, or three, depending on their resources and services availability. Hospitals will be inspected to verify that they can provide the level of care for which they have applied.

Alabama will be the only state in the U.S. with the capability to constantly monitor the status of every trauma hospital and route the trauma patient to the right hospital every time. This system will be the model for the rest of the nation.

How the Alabama Trauma System (ATS) Works

The ATS will be built around a high-tech communication center that coordinates patient transport to the appropriate initial facility. The communication center will also facilitate transfer of patients that must be stabilized locally before transfer for definitive care. All of this will be accomplished with a computer system network and 24/7 staff that will maintain up-to-the-minute status on all trauma hospitals and resources. This system will be monitored by a quality improvement process to fix problems and ensure a high level of care.

Alabama Trauma System Update

Register for the upcoming satellite conference and live webcast, Alabama Trauma System Update. This program will be broadcast on Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (Central Time). Registration is now available online.