Injury Prevention

What is a Trauma System?
A trauma system is a coordinated, integrated effort of multiple hospitals, clinics and the public health system to provide the full range of care to injured patients in a particular region.
The San Diego Trauma System
The San Diego Trauma System has been recognized as one of the strongest, most effective trauma systems in the country. In fact, a person who has sustained a life-threatening injury in San Diego County stands twice the chance of surviving than if the injury had occurred in nearly any other part of the U.S.

 

Trauma Catchment Areas Map

 

Did You Know?

  • Injuries from trauma that are the most life-threatening are also the most preventable.
  • Trauma occurs every four seconds.
  • Every six minutes, someone in the U.S. dies from trauma and another is permanently disabled.
  • Motor vehicles account for nearly 75 percent of the traumatic injuries in San Diego County, and over half of those who die are not wearing seat belts.

Injury Prevention Programs:

trauma system

trauma system report

Motor Vehicle Related Trauma Patients by Quarter, 2011-2015

950 Bicycle Collisions in San Diego County, 2012

Percent of Fall-Related San Diego County Trauma Injuries by Age Group and Fall Type, January 2012 to June 2014.
Percent of Fall-Related San Diego County Trauma Injuries by Age Group and Fall Type, January 2012 to June 2014

San Diego County Skateboarding Injury Rates by zip code 2013-2014

 My Grey Matterz Pro Helmet Campaign

Community Outreach & Partners:

American Academy of Pediatrics
  • The Injury Prevention Program (TIPP) is an educational program for parents of children newborn through 12 years of age to help prevent common injuries. There are safety sheets available by age categories that discuss appropriate safety guidelines for each age.
  • Car Safety Seats and Transportation Safety. This site provides important safety rules for use of car safety seats. The site also has some frequently asked questions about car safety seats and includes information on air bag safety, a booster seat teaching tool and teen driver safety.

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

The CDC has a variety of topics on injury and violence prevention. Each fact sheet tells who is at risk for various injuries and how the risk of injury can be reduced.

  • Falls and Hip Fractures Among Older Adults
  • Injuries Among Children & Adolescents
  • Older Adult Drivers
  • Water-Related Injuries
  • Youth Violence
  • Concussion
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

MADD provides information on programs to stop drunk driving and help support victims.

  • Safe Party Guide: (En Espanol tambien) Provides myths and facts about drinking and driving, drunk driving statistics, how to spot a drunk driver, and issues of social responsibility.
  • Designate a Driver Program: Explains the responsibilities of the designated driver.
  • Youth In Action Program: Teams of young people looking for community solutions to deter underage drinking.
  • UMADD: This is a college campus-based organization that addresses underage drinking.

Safe Kids Worldwide

  • Safety tips on bike and car safety, fires, burns, pedestrian and water safety to show parents how parents to keep their children safe.
State of California
  • Motorcycle Helmet Law
  • Safety Belt Law
  • No Texting Law
Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)

This site has various campaigns and activity suggestions for students to organize.

  • Friends for Life campaign is a friendship bracelet fundraiser to remind peers that they have the power to influence each other in a positive way.

Resources and Web Links:

  • American Trauma Society (ATS)
  • Society of Trauma Nurses
  • Centers for Disease Control National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
  • Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
    A resource for grant opportunities and program development.
  • Injury Prevention Web. Charts and tables of injury data by region and state.
  • Safety Lit. Weekly updates on injury prevention research activities.
  • World Health Organization. Data and information about injuries and injury prevention on a global or international level.

Upcoming Events

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Find an Expert

Our specialists can provide expert comment for journalists on a range of trauma and injury related issues.
If you are a member of the press and would like to interview any of our trauma experts, or if you need an expert in another area that our hospital specializes in, please contact:
For additional information regarding Injury Prevention and Community Outreach, upcoming events, to schedule an event and/or additional resources, please contact:
Melanie Gawlik, RN, MSN
TREF Injury Prevention and Community Outreach Chair
858-626-6362 (Office)
858-231-5339 (Cell)