Experience counts when minutes matter .
“ Emergency care for people with life-threatening injuries is time-sensitive . The faster we can intervene , the better chance of survival and recovery .”
Experience counts when minutes matter .
Emergency care for people with life-threatening injuries is time-sensitive . “ The first 60 minutes are called the golden hour ,” says Mike Taramelli , RN , MBA / HCM , CEN , TCRN , and AHN Forbes Trauma Program Director . “ All the data shows that the faster we can intervene , the better the chances of survival and recovery .” Luckily for the residents of the eastern suburbs , AHN Forbes is a Level II trauma center . “ AHN recognized the need to bring high-level trauma care here so our residents and EMS providers could have immediate access to the same level of care they ’ d get in Pittsburgh ,” says Taramelli .
That level of care requires having a team of surgeons , anesthesiologists , nurses , surgical techs , respiratory therapists , imaging specialists , pharmacists , social workers , other providers available around the clock . “ From the moment of patient arrival to the moment of discharge , the care is streamlined , coordinated , and patient-centered ,” says Daniel Raible , MSN , RN , CEN , Nursing Manager , Emergency Department .
Collaboration is key
It all begins in the Emergency Department ( ED ). That ’ s where the trauma and emergency teams quickly identify the injuries , determine if they ’ re life-threatening , and activate the level of intervention needed . “ Based on what we find , we call in additional surgical and nonsurgical support as needed ,” says Taramelli . “ It doesn ’ t matter when , or what day of the week .”
“ From there the patient can go to the operating room for surgery or the critical care unit for continuous stabilization and recovery ,” says Zac Allan , MHA , MSN , RN , CEN , PHRN , Director of Critical Care & Emergency Services .
Ever-expanding , always improving
“ Thanks to AHN and Highmark Health ’ s investment in Forbes , we ’ ve been able to expand our services significantly over the past few years ,” says Allan .
“ More and more ambulances come to us every day . EMS agencies know the high level of care we provide , and they can get to us faster ,” says Raible . “ Plus , they know people feel most comfortable when they have that sense of family and friends . Anytime you can be in a community environment with a sense of belonging , you always feel safer .” Nobody plans a car accident , fall , or shooting . But if you or a loved one is critically injured , the skilled team at Forbes Trauma Center is ready to help . “ We ’ re 100 % here for you , Whether you ’ re in the ED , a trauma bay , or the ICU , we will do everything within our power to ensure your needs are met ,” says Raible . “ We ’ ll always have your back .”
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF TRAUMA PATIENTS TREATED AT FORBES PER YEAR : 3,000
“ Emergency care for people with life-threatening injuries is time-sensitive . The faster we can intervene , the better chance of survival and recovery .”
— Mike Taramelli , RN , MBA / HCM , CEN , TCRN , and AHN Forbes Trauma Program Director