University of South Alabama holds 14th annual Gulf Coast Trauma Symposium
BILOXI, Miss. (WXXV) – The University of South Alabama health team kicked off the 14th annual Gulf Coast trauma symposium bringing together medical professionals from across the region.
Over 300 first responders, doctors, and nurses from 8 different states, are gathering at the Golden Nugget for the annual Gulf Coast Trauma Symposium, providing two days of opportunity for sharing knowledge and ensuring that our region’s trauma care professionals stay at the forefront of their field.
Associate Dean of Community Engagement Charles Erwin said, “The Alabama Gulf Region has partnered with the USA Trauma Center and University Hospital for many years to put this symposium on to benefit all the practitioners, doctors, nurses, surgeons’ EMS professionals that’s going to be taking care of patients who are involved in trauma incidences.”
Those in attendance are hearing from medical experts and trauma survivors. Executive Director of the Mississippi Trauma Care System Foundation Matt Edwards said, “They’re providing education for providers, EMT staff, healthcare providers in general about the ins and out of taking care of a patient that’s just went through an acute phase of trauma incident.”
Continuing medical education courses are also being taught at the symposium. Chief Division of Trauma Acute Care Surgeon Jon Simmons said, “We offer courses for both nurses, EMS and ER providers. A good portion of the symposium is the violence prevention and what we can do as a community to improve. So, it really provides education across that continuum and do everything we can to give every patient the best care possible.”
Burn care is another central theme of the symposium, with specialists highlighting the latest treatment methods in wound care. Trauma and Burn Surgeon Dr. Kevin Slaughter said, “Burn injuries are something you don’t see a lot and whenever you do it can be very serious. So, it’s important to know how to initially treat them and to make sure you start their treatment in the best way possible before you get them to a regional burn center like ours.”
The symposium ends this Friday, March 28th and tickets start at $25 dollars if you would still like to attend.
