It’s May, and that means it’s Trauma Awareness Month! Where did this event come from, and what does it mean? And how can you thank your referral providers?
The American Trauma Society (www.amtrauma.org) has been a tireless cheerleader for promoting injury and violence prevention in the US for over 50 years. In 1988, they worked with Congress under President Ronald Reagan to designate May as National Trauma Awareness Month. Ever since, many trauma centers across the US engage in focused prevention activities and appreciation events during the month.
What kind of activities, you may ask? Here are a few examples:
- An appreciation picnic for prehospital providers near the ambulance arrival area
- Sponsor a rig wash station to clean the ambulances while they enjoy the picnic
- Give out EMS themed swag bags
- Cater breakfast or lunch to arriving crews
- Provide a special educational session focusing on a great case transported to your center
- Recognize doctors, nurses, and APPs who have gone above and beyond for the patients they care for
- Set up special prevention events in the local community with signage for National Trauma Awareness Month
- And much, much more!
But alas, the age of COVID-19 is upon us, and many of these things are now too risky to set up. But how about a simple letter of appreciation? Here’s an example:
Feel free to download a copy, add your trauma center logo and change the text. Be sure to take my team’s names off as well and write in your own! Send this to the EMS agencies that bring you patients. And the providers in the hospitals that regularly send you patients. And the medical directors and trauma program managers of your referral centers. And anyone else you can think of!
Please leave a comment below and share how your center celebrates National Trauma Awareness Month.
