BCH's 2nd Annual Trauma Symposium

In a full-day event, which was held on April 23, the Boulder Community Health (BCH) Trauma Services Department presented lectures and discussions on a variety of topics related to trauma medicine, patient care and best practices. As the first Level II Trauma Center in Boulder County, BCH has sophisticated resources and highly trained medical staff readily available to treat seriously injured patients.

The 2nd Annual Trauma Symposium - made possible through generous support from the Boulder Community Health Foundation - featured inspirational and educational topics related to ENT, orthopedics, cardiology, anesthesia, geriatrics, palliative care and primary care.

"We’re here to learn, but to also honor and to be grateful for our amazing trauma program and to thank everyone who supports our program," said BCH president and CEO, Robert Vissers, MD. "The teamwork that our Trauma Department demonstrates makes our entire organization better."

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Vissers - a longtime emergency physician at inner city trauma centers - pointed out the unique, time-sensitive nature of trauma care, requiring interdisciplinary care between countless departments and team members.

"I can’t think of another disease that touches every facet of our healthcare organization like trauma does," said Dr. Vissers. "And there’s no disease process that requires such incredible teamwork to come up with the incredible outcomes that we experience everyday."

Similar to last year's inaugural Trauma Symposium, this year's agenda featured a keynote address from a BCH trauma patient.

BCH patient Eric Erickson shares his story of trauma: “His Life Wasn't Just Saved — It Was Restored"

In a moving video and keynote address - moderated by Aric Parker, BCH Chaplain, and Laura Harmon, MD, BCH’s Trauma Medical Director and Chair of the Department of Surgery - trauma survivor Eric Erickson shared his story of perseverance after suffering a cardiac event while cycling on Highway 119.

Eric, a lifelong athlete and cancer survivor, grabbed a burrito in Hygiene for his ride home to South Boulder. It was the last thing Eric remembered before he crashed his bike and woke up almost seven days later in the ICU.

Bystander CPR and a shock from an automated external defibrillator (AED) for Eric's sudden cardiac arrest was needed before an ambulance took him to Foothills Hospital.

What ensued was a story of resilience, interdisciplinary care and recovery. Eric survived a head injury, a widow maker heart attack, dangerously low pressure, and massive blood loss from spleen and liver lacerations.

"I'm not here without many exceptional and qualified doctors and great nurses - who happen to be great human beings. But every body else who works in a hospital matters, too," says Eric Erickson.

Watch the full keynote video by BCH patient and trauma survivor, Eric Erickson, and his wife, Sue Erickson.

National Trauma Survivors' Day on May 15

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized with traumatic injuries. And many more – their family, friends and loved ones – are also affected by the trauma of an injury. It can be a challenging journey, but the Trauma Survivors' Network (TSN) has offered assistance for over a decade. We believe that nothing heals people like the support of their peers.

The underlying goal of BCH's resources and programs is to ensure the survivors of trauma a stable recovery and to connect with those who share similar stories. You can post a supportive message to our BCH Gratitude Wall here.

This wall will be posted on the TV screens throughout the Foothills Hospital campus, on BCH social media accounts and the BCH Foundation website.

Boulder Community Health: a Level II Trauma Center

Foothills Hospital provides 24-hour access to high-level emergency medical care from board-certified emergency medicine physicians and specially-trained nurses. We care for patients requiring treatment for everything from broken bones to strokes to life-and limb-threatening injuries. In the event you suffer a serious injury, our expert team of medical professionals are ready to deliver outstanding evaluation, treatment, compassion and care close to home.

As the first Level II Trauma Center in Boulder County, BCH has the sophisticated resources and expertise readily available to treat seriously injured patients.

• Level II Trauma Center, the highest level in Boulder County
• Nationally-certified Primary Stroke Center
• Most comprehensive treatment for heart conditions in Boulder County

We work closely with our local Emergency Medical Services partners -- paramedics and first responders -- to provide the high-quality, prompt care you need.