Nearly 50 millions Americans do not have access to a level I or II trauma center within an hour if they were to be seriously injured, according to a study in the June 1 issue of JAMA.
Despite the growing number of trauma centers over the past decade, studies indicate that their geographic distribution varies widely across states, according to background information in the article. These studies suggest that residents in many parts of the country are without timely access to trauma centers that could save their lives. In other parts of the country, there are possibly too many trauma centers that may lead to inefficiencies, reduced quality of care, and lower patient volumes per center.
Charles C. Branas, Ph.D., from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, and colleagues used information from two national databases to estimate U.S. residents' access to level I, II, and III trauma centers by ground ambulance or helicopter within 45 and 60 minutes. "Level I and II trauma centers provide comprehensive care for the most critically injured patients and have immediate availability of trauma surgeons, anesthesiologists, and certain other physician specialists," the article states. "Level III centers provide prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgery, and stabilization, with transfer to a level I or II center when indicated."