Trauma Center and Acute Care Surgery

The Trauma and Acute Care Surgery team at The George Washington University Hospital provides premier academic trauma care in the DC metropolitan area.

SPECTRUM OF CARE

The Trauma Center is a Level I verified facility that evaluates and treats more than 1,500 patients per year. Trauma surgeons, emergency medicine physicians, trauma-trained nurses, anesthesiologists and operating room personnel are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to evaluate and treat any injury. GW is located six blocks from the White House, three blocks from the State Department, and across the street from the World Bank. The Trauma Center is prepared to service a diverse group of patients, from area residents to visiting dignitaries and heads of state.

Along with a wide range of specialists, including neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, otolaryngologists, and rehabilitation specialists, we are able to treat all kinds of injuries at any time of day or night.

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Through our ONE-CALL GW Patient Transfer Center, we also offer tertiary level support to surrounding hospitals that seek advice, or help in the management of severly injured or critically ill patients. Transport for patiients can be arranged as requested by a referring physician or hospital.

For transfer requests please call Toll Free: 1-855-SEND-2-GW  or 1-855-736-3249.  This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

EDUCATION

The Trauma Center is committed to educating all members of the care team— from the field emergency medical providers to the physician colleagues. We provide the following:

• Symposia for Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
• Local pre-hospital provider continuing medical education as requested
• Advanced Trauma Life Support Course of the American College of Surgeons
• Internet-based education on trauma prevention and injury management (http://www.east.org/resources/traumacast)

CUTTING EDGE RESEARCH

Research into advanced methods and processes of care is a core function of the Trauma Center. We currently have active protocols evaluating medications that may improve outcomes following brain inury, methods to improve nutritional support of our sickest patients, blood tests to more rapidly diagnose muscle injury, and advanced  methods to treat severe chest and lung injury.

The trauma surgeons and emergency medicine physicians on the medical staff at GW Hospital are routinely invited to teach and present their research findings at national meetings, including the American Assoication for the Surgery of  Trauma, The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma, The Society of Critical Care Medicine, and The Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, and The American Academy of Emergency Medicine.

PREVENTION AND OUTREACH

The Trauma Center is also focused on injury prevention. We have a dedicated injury prevention team committed to indentifying patterns of injury and directing our prevention efforts accordingly.

We focus on many areas, including:

• Falls prevention
• Bike safety
• Pedestrian-related injuries
• Construction-related injuries
• Alcohol and drug related injuries

Section Director: Babak Sarani, MD, FACS, FCCM

For more information please call: 202-741-3188

For transfer requests please call Toll Free 24/7:1-855-SEND-2-GW or 1-855-736-3249