Cape Cod Hospital staff trains for trauma emergencies
Cape Cod Hospital recently hosted a high-fidelity trauma simulation training program for staff, as part of its new designation as a Level III trauma center. The simulations provided realistic, hands-on training designed to enhance clinical decision-making, teamwork and communication in high-stakes situations.
During the April 2, 2025, simulation, a half-dozen “trauma cases” (actually high-tech mannequins) arrived close together at Cape Cod Hospital’s emergency department. Among them, a pregnant accident victim who needed to immediately deliver her baby and a man with an abdominal injury and internal bleeding. During the drill, about 25 staff members scrambled to quickly assess and stabilize the “patients,” and resuscitate them, if needed, before arranging where they would go next – such as an operating room, radiology, the intensive care unit, or transfer to a tertiary trauma center
At times, there were 12-15 health professionals in a room, each performing their specific role, with the entire process overseen by a supervisor. The “victims” were mannequins programmed to exhibit symptoms of their individual diagnoses, with heart and breathing rates that responded to treatment.
The simulation was the first held since the hospital’s January designation as a Level III trauma center, said Elizabeth Henderson, RN and paramedic, who, as manager, oversees the hospital’s trauma program with medical director and general surgeon C. Jeffrey Siegert, MD, FACS.
“We debrief with staff, and discuss what things they thought went well, what things could improve,” Henderson said.
“We outline what’s expected during a trauma response. A poster on the wall lists what this nurse does, what this doctor does. Roles are well-defined in what each person should do in trauma,” she said, adding that she responds to trauma cases as a supervisor.
What Is a Level III Trauma Center?
Trauma center verification levels follow criteria established by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and range from Level I to IV, with I being the highest level, offering around-the-clock comprehensive trauma care for all injury types. Level I hospitals are usually teaching hospitals connected to a university and are required per ACS standards to have research programs. Level II centers can provide initial care for most injuries and may lead their region in emergency system planning and education.
Cape Cod Hospital is verified by the ACS and designated by the Massachusetts Department of Health as a Level III trauma center with neurosurgical capability. The ability to deal with head injuries is especially important because they’re common on Cape Cod, Henderson said. Level III centers, such as Cape Cod Hospital, are equipped to offer rapid assessment, resuscitation, surgery and stabilization. Often, Level III centers are in areas away from Level I facilities, filling a need to serve rural or remote regions.
“We’re able to provide lifesaving care to residents in the community in which they live,” Henderson said.
In Southeastern Massachusetts, the only Level III trauma center other than Cape Cod Hospital is Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton. St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford is the only Level II in the region; there is no Level I facility, according to the state Office of Emergency Medical Services. There are six Level I hospitals in the Greater Boston region, three Level I pediatric facilities and one Level II adult facility, South Shore Hospital in Weymouth.
“We get a lot of car accidents, a lot of bike accidents, and a lot of older people have head injuries from falls,” Henderson said, adding the biggest portion of local trauma cases are falls.
In the Hospital and the Community
The hospital’s emergency department includes two large rooms with specific equipment for trauma care, but the entire department can accommodate trauma cases, Henderson said.
“Everything is portable.” she said.
In addition to having the equipment and trained staff to deal with trauma cases available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the trauma program offers continuing education to staff and training for people outside the hospital. This ranges from education aimed at preventing bicycle injuries to “stop the bleed” classes, Henderson said. The program also works with community partners on prevention, including the Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod, area police and fire departments and regional and state organizations.
The April simulation wasn’t the hospital’s first. One was held in November 2024 prior to the ACS site visit for verification, she said. A third is tentatively planned for November, and at 6-month intervals after that.
“It’s really a great way of learning,” she said.
“One thing I love about Cape Cod Hospital is that competitive drive, always looking to improve.”
