 | Janelle Dimond, RN, CEN, has worked at Via Christi Hospital Pittsburg since 2006. She develops and maintains the trauma program requirements set forth by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, and follows patients from time of injury to discharge at Via Christi Hospital. She is involved in the Kansas Trauma Program and a member of the SEK Regional Trauma Council. |
Health & Wellness
2012-04-20 15:31:33
Startling statistics on distracted driving!
This month we had the pleasure of talking with Janelle Diamond of Via Christi, who shares startling information on distracted driving. While everyone believes that they can handle doing tasks like talking on the phone or texting while driving, nationwide statistics paint another story.
Q: What is the theme of National Trauma Prevention Month?
A: This year the American Trauma Society is concentrating on distracted driving and the principal actions that cause and lead to vehicle crashes. Those factors include using electronic devices like cell phones and GPS, applying makeup, reading or writing, and conversing with passengers.
Q: How dangerous can those electronic devices be when it comes to arriving alive?
A: A university study shows drivers using hand-held devices are four times more likely to be involved in a serious injury crash. Even more dangerous, especially among our teenage drivers, is texting while driving. In fact, text messaging behind the wheel makes you 23 times more likely to be involved in a car crash.
Q: How can we impress upon teens how dangerous texting while driving is, since they are so used to texting throughout the course of their day?
A: It’s one thing to say “Don’t text and drive.” However, if we can explain the why and how of the dangers, the message becomes more clear. Think about it this way, sending or receiving a text takes your eyes off the road for 4 to 5 seconds. If you’re going 55 miles an hour, you just traveled the length of an entire football field in that time…and you never even saw the road in front of you.
Q: Via Christi Hospital Pittsburg is accredited as a Level III Trauma Center. What exactly does that mean?
A: The Level III Trauma Center has met requirements of the State of Kansas and American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma to provide initial stabilization and interventions of patients who have sustained injuries from minor to life threatening. We have established guidelines for treatment, have the resources needed for the initial care, and have developed a relationship with hospitals who have the ability to provide definitive care to injured patients. Our staff members are required to have additional trauma training in order to provide quality care using a systematic approach.
