Trauma systems: Planning for and response to violence and disasters

Trauma systems are an integral part of the community and regional responses to violence and disasters. The design and implementation of these systems varies greatly across the U.S., with some states having well-developed systems that allow timely data collection and access to data, resource allocation, and review of system effectiveness. Despite evidence that effective trauma systems decrease morbidity and mortality, their development has been underfunded, and many states are left with inadequate resources to care for seriously injured people. Trauma centers are also expected to play a role in violence and injury prevention, and to dedicate resources to these efforts. While trauma care practitioners continue to advocate for more resources, policymakers have placed little emphasis on improving trauma systems in order to adequately serve the needs of the community, and improve access to care in a system which is often stretched to its limits. This presentation will focus on the challenges that are currently being faced by trauma centers and trauma systems as they respond to violent events and plan for disaster responses. Recommendations for policy change to improve these systems will also be made.