Read Session 1 Answers

What is  Lehigh Valley Hospital's annual volume of trauma cases by code level (ie. how many code reds?)
In 2007, LVH saw 141 Code Reds and 2147 Trauma Alerts.

Is there a role for social workers on the trauma team and if so, what is their function?
Although we do not have social workers in the trauma response, they do play an integral role on the team.   Some of their responsibilities include arranging for rehab and/or long term care, assisting the indigent or uninsured with securing medical assistance, and assisting out of area families with lodging.

In gunshot wound victims, do you always place paper bags over their hands, even if they are awake and alert ?  
If so, when is the evidence collected if they are in stable condition for an attempted homicide investigation?
We place paper bags on all suspected GSW victims and explain our rationale to the patient.

Evidence is collected as soon as possible.   Many times the victims and/or perpetrators are accompanied to the hospital by police and their hands will be tested as the resuscitation is taking place.   In the event the patient is brought from out of the area (i.e. flown by MedEvac), the investigating department at the scene will sometimes arrange for local State Police to assist with securing evidence.

Can you provide or recommend the type of education I should pursue if I wanted a career in trauma nursing, as a trauma surgeon or forensic pathologist?
The Core Trauma Team requires at least 3 years of Emergency or Critical Care nursing experience, excellent communication skills, time management skills and triage skills.   Additional certifications that are required include: 

• CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse)

• PHTLS (Pre-Hospital Advanced Life Support)

• ATCN (Advanced Trauma Course for Nurses)

• ENPC (Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course)

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)

• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
• CPR 

Paramedic or PHRN (Pre-Hospital RN) certification is encouraged.

E.D. nurses are required to have 6 months E.D. experience at LVH CC (regardless of previous trauma and/or E.D. experience) and must be cleared for triage.

Trauma surgeons must have 4 years of college with preferably a Biology degree, 4 years of medical school, 5 years of training in a surgical residency, and preferably a 1 year trauma/critical care surgery fellowship.

Forensic pathologists must have a 4 year college degree, 4 years of medical school, a 4 year residency and a 1 year fellowship.

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