CHATROOM

TRAUMA CARE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

SPEAKER: DR. RAYMUNDO F. RESURRECCION

- Associate Professor of De La Salle Medical and Health Science Institute
- Associate Professor of Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health
- Head Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Quirino Memorial Medical Center
- Surgical Critical Care Consultant: The Medical City, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Amang Rodriguez Memorial Center
- Course Director, Advanced Trauma Life Support Course

Trauma Care during COVID-19 is imperative in the healthcare systems to support both the patients and health workers. There should also be a focus on protecting the medical workforce. It enables them to provide proper care to the increasing number of COVID-19 patients. Moreover, it is essential to be resilient and professional in managing the serious problems arising amid the health crisis. The need for control measures in imposing rapid treatment has forced the development of new protocols in the hospital sector. 

 

In line with this, the ICU Forum has launched a webinar in response to “Trauma Care” in the time of coronavirus disease. It aims to equip healthcare professionals with the latest information for any trauma-related procedures. 

 

During the online session, Dr. Resurreccion mentioned some challenges for “Trauma Care.” It covers the vital resource requirements in the pandemic setting. There is a scarcity of medical equipment like Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in most hospitals nationwide. PPE is critical among Healthcare providers for them to perform their duties safely in these precarious circumstances. The shortage of workforce has also caused a burden to many hospitals. Unfortunately, some health professionals were infected by the virus, forcing them to undergo quarantine, while others succumbed to death. In protecting the manpower, Dr. Resurreccion stated that the safety of healthcare workers is paramount and prioritized over the patient.

 

Furthermore, he discussed the essential considerations of Trauma Care in a COVID-19 setting. Dr. Resurreccion defined it as everything that a COVID-positive patient will have to go through from admission to ICU. He emphasized the involvement of senior clinicians in early decision making regarding the best course of action for the patients. Moreover, Surgical Intensivists are responsible for COVID-19 ICU patients. Triage criteria are exhibited for emergency operations in managing trauma among infected individuals. Also, there should be an advanced triage criterion to address the critical care needs of the patients. Concerning medical futility, Dr. Resurreccion advised that sick individuals and their families should be consulted first before proceeding to aggressive surgical treatments. 

 

These are some of the critical considerations in addressing the Trauma Care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch the video above for more insights!