Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of some frequently asked questions concerning Trauma Services and the University General Surgeons, P.C., but please feel free to call us if you need additional information - (865) 251-4658.  We are always pleased to assist patients, family, friends and physicians.

• What is Trauma?
• What are the rates of trauma deaths in the country?
• What happens when someone is brought to the Trauma Center?
• Can I stay by my loved one and what can I do?
• What is the anticipated time of recovery?

	What is Trauma?
	Trauma is defined as a bodily injury, wound or shock.  Trauma affects more people than heart disease and cancer combined and is the leading cause of death among Americans under age 40.  However death does not have to be the end result of a major trauma injury.  Since the beginning of Trauma Centers, like the one here at University General & Trauma Surgery, P.C., the numbers of deaths and long term disabilities have decreased.

	What are the rates of trauma deaths in the country?
	Trauma kills more people between the ages of 1 and 44 than any other disease or illness. Nearly 100,000 people of all ages in the United States die from trauma each years, roughly half of them in automobile crashes. But it is our children and young adults who feel the greatest impact of trauma. According to the national Center for Heath Statistics, trauma (unintentional injuries + homicides) causes: 43% of all deaths from age 1 to 4 48% of all deaths in ages 5 to 14 62% of all deaths in ages 15 to 24 Trauma can strike at any time of the day. Each year, eight to nine million individuals suffer disabling injuries in the United States, with more than 3000,000 of the suffering permanent disabilities.

	What happens when someone is brought to the Trauma Center?
	When a patient arrives at the UGTS Emergency Department, emergency nurses and doctors begin assessing and treating injuries.  The UGTS Trauma physicians and nurses are also present and quickly check the patient's condition.  If life-threatening injuries are present, the patient is treated right away. All the facilities within the UGTS Trauma Bay are state-of-the-art, including X-ray equipment and CT scan.  Our operating rooms are also equipped with the latest technology.

	Can I stay by my loved one and what can I do?
	Our entire staff understands that it can be a very frightening experience to see someone you love lying in a bed with tubes and wires attached to their body.  Patients might even be held down loosely so that they don't accidentally knock away tubes and wires.  If you feel helpless, please speak with a nurse or doctor and they will speak with you about how you might be able to help them..

	What is the anticipated time of recovery?
	With all injuries, especially those suffered from a trauma related incident, recovery time will vary.  It is our goal that all patients get well enough to no longer need hospital care.  Some patients will be discharged home with instructions to return to the outpatient clinic for a check-up.  This is where the health team makes sure injuries are healing properly, as well as checking that the patient is adapting to life after the injury. The nurses and doctors will discuss, in detail, the amount of time you might need for recovery and physical therapy.