University Medical Center of El Paso continues to strengthen its role as a leader in trauma care by bringing together hospitals and emergency response partners from across the region. Through collaboration and shared expertise, UMC is working to ensure that patients receive the highest level of care when it matters most.
Recently, UMC hosted a trauma summit that convened healthcare providers and regional partners who play critical roles in emergency and trauma response. As the region’s only Level I trauma center, UMC is focused on building strong connections across the healthcare system to reduce delays and improve outcomes for patients facing life-threatening injuries.
Advancing Communication in Trauma Care
A key focus of the summit was improving communication between hospitals, emergency medical services, and specialists. Dr. Alan Tyroch, UMC Chief of Surgery and Trauma Medical Director, highlighted an advanced secure, real-time communication platform designed to connect care teams quickly and efficiently. By streamlining communication, these high-tech tools help ensure that critical information is shared without delay, supporting faster decision-making in emergency situations.
Expanding Access to Specialized Care
UMC’s commitment to advanced care was also reflected in updates on its extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program. Dr. Leo Mercer, UMC Associate Trauma Medical Director, shared that UMC is the only hospital in the region offering ECMO life support and accepts patient transfers from other hospitals. This capability enables UMC to provide higher-level care for patients with severe cardiac or respiratory conditions.
The trauma summit reflects UMC’s broader commitment to collaboration across the healthcare system. By working closely with regional partners, investing in advanced technology, and expanding specialized services, UMC continues to strengthen trauma care throughout El Paso and surrounding communities.
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