Valley healthcare professionals attend trauma symposium at SPI

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Every year, hundreds of medical professionals from across the Rio Grande Valley gather for a trauma symposium hosted by the Trauma Regional Advisory Council-V (TRAC-V).

The 6th annual symposium began on Thursday at South Padre Island.

Event organizers describe the event as an opportunity for doctors, nurses, EMS personnel and paramedics to network, learn from each other, and attend lectures from local experts.

"We highlight local physicians that are doing great work here in the Valley," TRAC-V Executive Director Nathan Ramon said. "They have the opportunity to give, and then our region's healthcare personnel — both paramedics, EMS providers, nurses and physicians will come learn about the best practices and really what we're doing well here at the Valley."

When asked what one thing the Rio Grande Valley excels in, medical professionals noted the pre-hospital whole blood availability in ambulances.

The Rio Grande Valley has joined an exclusive group of regions that can administer whole blood to trauma patients while they are en route to a hospital, saving critical minutes for patients with severe blood loss.

Doctors also said the event is a good opportunity for each field to learn about the other, so that they can collectively provide better care to patients.

"We all have set roles and responsibilities of what EMS does and what hospitals do and doctors and nurses, etc.," said Wesley Milum, Trauma Program Director for Valley Baptist in Harlingen. "But if you don't know who you're talking to and who that person is and what they struggle with and what it's like out in the field versus what it's like in the hospital, you don't appreciate and understand what they're doing."

Day one of the symposium included lectures on treating different traumas and strokes.

The event continues on May 2 with several lectures given by leaders in trauma, strokes, cardiac arrests and maternal and perinatal care.