The Catalyst Issue 19 | August 2014 | Page 10

COMMITMENT | to patients and the future Passion for PATIENTS AND THE FUTURE to the Health Resources and Services Administration, trauma-related injuries in the United States are estimated to exceed 160,000 deaths each year, and, more significantly, it is estimated that 60 percent of all injury deaths in the United States occur in rural areas. Nationally, trauma is the number one killer for those ages 1–44, so it’s no surprise that in Scott & White’s extensive service area, more than 2,000 trauma patients are admitted to Memorial Hospital each year and many more are treated as outpatients. From vehicular accidents and agricultural injuries to burns, gunshot wounds, animal bites, falls, sexual assault, and more, the trauma center at Scott & White is a lifesaving resource for many Central Texans, especially as the population grows. Swiftly responding to the region’s needs Scott & White plays a unique role in the region, seeing patients with traumatic injuries daily, from all corners of the vast 29,000-square-mile area that the healthcare system serves. Dr. Davis says, “Many of the traumatic events are challenging because of the rural nature of our region. Accidents often occur in the middle of nowhere. A person working in the fields may not be found for a few hours and may still have an hour or more transport to reach us.” Dr. Davis speaks from his significant experience, ranging from individual traumatic episodes to highprofile, mass-casualty events. He treated patients from both Fort Hood shootings in 2009 and 2014, and from the West Fertilizer Company explosion, in 2013, among other area disasters. “Our region has had more than its share of tragedy. Among all the ‘what ifs,’ we also ask ourselves, ‘how can we continue to better prepare?’” he says. “We understand that when it comes to these traumatic events, it’s not ‘if,’ but