Conemaugh Memorial hosts the Keystone Trauma Emergency and Neurology Summit

Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, a Level 1 Regional Resource Trauma Center, hosted the annual Keystone Trauma Emergency and Neurology Summit  this month. 

The conference welcomed nearly 250 participants from across the region. The two-day event began July 31 and brought together local and regional healthcare professionals and community agencies to learn and discuss topics related to critically ill and injured patients. 

“We’re proud to support such a robust event related to improving the quality of care we provide to patients in our communities,” said Russell Dumire, Trauma/Acute Care Surgeon and Medical Director of Trauma Services at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. 

Ten trauma, emergency, and neurology healthcare professionals from Conemaugh Health System led the Summit, which featured four guest lecturers from three regional hospitals: Indiana Regional Medical Center, UPMC Presbyterian, and Alleghany Health Network. 

In addition, the event featured 25 departmental education tables, 29 sponsors demonstrating new products and processes, and 16 community-based organizations, including EMS, law enforcement, the 911 center, and more, committed to educating others on the processes used in local communities.  

“This event brings together many different departments representing a vast array of health systems in our region to learn from one another, share information, and collaborate on how we continue to improve overall patient care in the communities we serve,” said Dumire. 

With support from the 1889 Foundation, emergency medical service professionals, students, and Advanced Practice Providers were awarded scholarships to attend the event. The scholarships help provide educational opportunities for medical providers and to further advance care in local communities.  

Additionally, healthcare professionals representing all Conemaugh hospitals, Indiana Regional Medical Center, and Fulton County medical centers gathered to develop a collaborative network to treat patients more efficiently. Discussions focused on challenges, barriers, and potential growth opportunities for outlying community hospitals to strengthen their trauma care. 

“As a Level 1 Trauma Center, our role extends beyond providing advanced care; it encompasses the education and support of smaller regional hospitals. By bolstering trauma and emergency care at these facilities, we enhance the overall healthcare system, ensuring that every patient receives timely and appropriate care, ultimately saving lives and strengthening our community,” said Dr. Dumire.

Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is the only Level 1 Regional Resource Trauma Center between Pittsburgh and Hershey. Level 1 Trauma Centers must have all the resources available to stabilize and treat even the most complex traumatic injuries, and they are the highest trauma designation a hospital may receive. Level 1 Trauma Centers provide the highest level of trauma care to critically ill or injured patients. Seriously injured patients have an increased survival rate of 25% compared to those not treated at a Level 1 center. 

Level 1 Trauma Centers must prove 24-hour staff readiness, participate in research programs to ensure the latest treatment and care methods are provided, and provide ongoing educational opportunities for every member. They must support a Surgical Residency program and treat more than 750 trauma patients annually. Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center’s Level 1 Regional Resource Trauma Center has maintained the highest designation since 2002.