HJAR Nov/Dec 2019

32 NOV / DEC 2019 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS DIALOGUE COLUMN DIRECTOR’S DESK This year, we are celebrating the ten-year anniversary of theArkansas Trauma System. Arkansas used to lead the nation in deaths due to trauma. Since 2009, preventable trauma-related death has dropped from 30 percent to 9.62 percent, which is lower than the national average. The Arkansas Trauma System (ATS) has improved coordination of care for patients from the time first responders arrive at an accident, through a patient’s discharge from the hospital and rehabilitation. These improvements mean patients are treated faster by the most appropriate provider, and physicians receive information about their patient faster. Overall, it means resources are being utilized better for everyone involved. Before 2009, trauma patients were taken to the nearest hospital, regardless of whether that hospital had the ability to care for the patients. This often meant patients Ten Years of Arkansas Trauma System