Each year, approximately 100,000 people in the United States die from trauma, making trauma the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 1 and 40 years old and the fifth leading cause of all deaths.

Many people mistakenly believe that trauma is unpredictable when in fact it is the only disease that is truly preventable.

Approximately 50,000 of the annual 100,000 trauma deaths in the United States result from automobile accidents. Traumatic injuries and deaths from car accidents can be prevented through the use of

• Seatbelts
• Child restraints
• Speed control
• Laws and enforcement for people driving under the influence

In addition to these precautions while in a car, other precautions should be followed when using other forms of transportation such as a bicycle or motorcycle:

• Wear or carry reflective material at night to help drivers see you
• Wear a helmet that is positioned carefully, is the right size, fits snugly all around, and fastens snugly beneath the chin
• Replace your helmet immediately if it becomes damaged

Like car accidents, burns are the source of many traumatic injuries each year. The most common types of burns are those caused by scalds, building fires, and the misuse of flammable liquids and gases. However, these types of injuries can also be prevented by following basic precautions regarding fire safety. Precautions include:

• Installing smoke alarms in your home (check and change batteries regularly)
• Having fire extinguishers in appropriate locations
• Knowing and practicing fire escape routes from home, work and school
• Removing electrical cords from floors and keeping them out of reach of children
• Burning candles responsibly
• Teaching children about fire safety

Although most trauma-related accidents are typically avoidable, accidents resulting in traumatic injuries still occur.

Shands at the University of Florida is in the process of opening its new trauma center to provide treatment for trauma patients in North Central Florida. Opening the trauma center represents Shands’ continuing commitment to patient care. A top-equipped medical center in Gainesville helps ensure patients can obtain quicker access to specialized care in the event of a traumatic injury.

For trauma patients, getting proper care within the first hour of injury greatly increases the chance of survival, and mortality is reduced by 15 percent to 20 percent when a very seriously injured patient is treated at a trauma center versus a non-trauma center.

For Professionals: Shands Level I Trauma Center

Additional Medical Information

Head injury

Spinal/neck injury

Burns

Cuts and puncture wounds

CPR

Unconsciousness - first aid

Breathing difficulties - first aid

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment or find out more information about trauma services offered at Shands at the University of Florida, please call 352.265.8000 or toll-free 1.800.749.7424

You may also email our Consultation Center (consultation@shands.ufl.edu) or use our secure online form.