Level 1 Trauma Center
Trauma Center: (732) 418-8095 • Injury Prevention: (732) 418-8026
Trauma is defined as a severe injury that may cause death or significant disability. Common causes of trauma include motor vehicle crashes, falls, burns, knife and gunshot wounds, and sport or recreational injuries. Trauma is the leading cause of death for persons ages one through 34.
About Us
The Trauma Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is a regional Level One Trauma Center, verified by the American College of Surgeons, Committee on Trauma. We are one of three level one trauma centers designated by the New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services. A level one center is the highest designation a hospital can receive. We are committed to trauma care through our dedicated physician, nursing and allied health staff and facilities so that seriously injured patients have the best possible chance of survival and least residual disability.
In addition to treating the seriously injured, we are also involved with teaching healthcare professionals about the latest in trauma care. We conduct programs for Emergency Medical Technicians, paramedics, nurses and physicians.
Prevention is another important aspect that we are intimately involved with in our community. Our Injury Prevention Program is involved with many projects to decrease injuries from many different causes.
Our Team
The Level One Trauma Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital consists of a team of medical professionals specially trained in treating trauma and critical care injuries. Trauma surgeons and other members of the trauma team are in the hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Paramedics transport injury victims meeting special triage criteria past local hospitals to its waiting trauma team, composed of a trauma surgeon, emergency physician, several trauma nurses and personnel from radiology, blood bank, case management and others. Physicians in specialties ranging from neurosurgery to OB/GYN are on standby, and nursing teams are ready in the operating room and critical care unit as well.
Impact of Injury on America
Traumatic injury accounts for about 140,000 deaths per year, and is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for ages 1-34. Between 10-13 times as many more Americans are disabled by injury each year, with brain injuries and paralysis being the most debilitating. Since those who die of injury are mostly young, trauma accounts for more years of lost productivity before age 65 than heart disease, cancer and stroke combined.
Injury is America's most costly health issue and accounts for about $300 billion in annual economic costs. This includes the direct costs of medical care coupled with the loss of earnings due to disability and premature death. The cost in human terms, particularly for young victims and their families, is enormous and cannot be quantified.
The regional trauma center plays a central role in reducing the burden of injury on America by saving lives and returning those who are seriously injured back to productivity. The alternative is a step back in time when unnecessary deaths among the seriously injured were common and disabilities were exacerbated due to delayed and inappropriate treatment.
Regional trauma centers are uniquely suited for the important role of injury prevention due to their ability to identify injury causes in their communities and focus attention on solutions. They are rarely funded for this role, which is unfortunate and shortsighted since each 1% reduction in injury saves $3 billion in annual economic costs. A 3.5% reduction in injury in America would cover the full costs of regional trauma centers throughout the U.S.
For more information about the Level 1 Trauma Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, call (732) 418-8095.
If you are involved in an emergency, call 911 or go to the hospital emergency room.
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