What does it mean to be a Level I trauma center? We’re equipped to handle all aspects of care for the most traumatic injuries 24/7.
Thanks to our expert trauma team, we were able to save Monica’s life and her ability to walk.
“I was on my way to work when I was hit by a drunk driver, and I broke my neck,” Monica said. “I didn’t know what happened. Somebody helped me and held my hand until the EMS came.”
First responders transported Monica to University Hospital, where our trauma team met her and jumped into action.
“In Monica’s situation, her spine was broken but her spinal cord remained intact," said Dr. Daniel Dent, a trauma surgeon at University Hospital. "Our neurosurgery team did a remarkable job of stabilizing her spine while the trauma surgery team dealt with her rib fractures and spleen laceration and her other supportive care like nutrition support to get her through this very complicated situation.”
Today, Monica enjoys going for walks with her family and playing in the backyard with her kids.
“The event changed my life and made me appreciate everything that I have in life right now," Monica said. "If not for the trauma team, I would have been paralyzed. If not for the great care that I got, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Learn more about the Level I trauma center at University Hospital.
