Level I Trauma Center

Trauma Expertise Matters.

COT%20verified%20logo.jpgThe Trauma Center at Cooper University Hospital was established in 1982 and today is the busiest trauma center in the region.

Cooper University Hospital is one of only three New Jersey State-Designated Level I Trauma Centers verified by the American College of Surgeons, the highest national recognition possible. Cooper serves as the regional Trauma Center for southern New Jersey including Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Ocean and Salem counties and acts as a resource for the Level II Trauma Centers in our region. A Level I Trauma Center cares for severely injured patients involved in motor vehicle crashes, falls, industrial accidents and acts of violence. Specially trained physicians and surgeons focus on the care of the trauma patient. On average, Cooper treats more than 4,600 trauma patients each year, making it the busiest center in New Jersey.

The Trauma Center at Cooper University Hospital is the busiest in the region and is staffed 24 hours a day by in-house trauma surgeons, anesthesiologists, trauma nurses, on-call consultants and vital support services, including the blood bank, laboratory services and diagnostic radiology.

Twenty-four hour staffing is vital for these critically injured patients as time is critical in assisting the patient during this time of need. Consultants of all disciplines are available 24 hours a day to provide optimal care for the injured patient.

Cooper is also equipped to allow trauma patients to arrive by helicopter or ambulance. Patients arriving by helicopter receive immediate care on our helipad from the trauma resuscitation team. A fully equipped resuscitation room is located on the helipad so patients may be evaluated and provided with lifesaving interventions without delay.

Many trauma patients are admitted through the Trauma Admitting Area. They are evaluated by the trauma team, which includes trauma surgeons, emergency physicians, trauma nurses, anesthesia nurses, respiratory therapists, radiographers and trauma technicians. As injuries are identified, other specialists are involved to assist with the care of the patient. These may include physicians specializing in neurosurgery, orthopedics, pediatric surgery, plastic and facial repair, reimplantation and hand surgery, heart and lung surgery, oral-maxillofacial surgery, urology, and ophthalmology. Patients with severe burns are transferred to a regional burn center after traumatic injuries are addressed.

Five trauma/critical care rooms, separated from the emergent care area, provide privacy and high-tech care. Cooper physicians are actively involved in researching new techniques leading to improved care and recovery of the critically injured. Cooper’s Regional Trauma Center is well equipped to handle the needs of pediatric patients, with a separate admitting area for children. This area has been designed with the special medical needs of the younger trauma patients in mind. Trauma surgeons skilled in the care of pediatric injuries are on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and supported by physicians in all pediatric subspecialties.

Trauma Surgical Intensive Care Unit

The Trauma Surgical Intensive Care Unit is a 16-bed patient care unit staffed with registered nurses, trauma technicians, resident physicians, nurse practitioners and attending trauma and critical care surgeons. Nursing and technical staff on this specialized unit have received education specific to the care of the trauma patient. Care is goal-directed and provides a continuation of the care provided in the Trauma Admitting Area. In this special intensive care unit, trauma/critical care physicians and nurses provide 24-hour-a-day care for patients. A minimum of one nurse is on duty for every two patients. A Critical Care physician is always in the hospital to care for these patients. In addition, the unit is equipped with the most advanced bedside monitoring and computer analysis systems.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation begins early in the treatment of trauma patients with rehabilitation medicine specialists, physical and occupational therapists and neuropsychologists. Those who have been severely injured, have sustained head injuries or spinal injuries, or had an amputation requiring extended rehabilitation are referred to long-term rehabilitation centers.

Trauma Recovery Support Group

Recuperation from serious injuries can be long and difficult. We want you to know you are not alone. Trauma Recovery is an ongoing support group at Cooper University Hospital that helps trauma patients and their families deal with the concerns and problems faced by those who are recovering from serious injuries. 

Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey

The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey brings together head injured individuals, their families and loved ones in an effort to provide information and hope during the healing process. Regional support groups exist throughout New Jersey. Please visit their web site at bianj.org for more information.