Grand Rapids
Butterworth Hospital
Trauma-team excellence
We provide immediate, life-saving treatments delivered by trauma surgeons, anesthesiologists, neurosurgeons, and orthopedic surgeons—available 24/7 and statewide. Some of the treatments include:
- Advanced trauma life support (ATLS), evaluation, stabilization, and diagnostic capabilities for injured patients
- 24-hour trauma nurses and physicians available upon patient arrival, and the ability to provide surgery and critical-care services
- General surgeons and anesthesiologists
- Experts in pediatric trauma
Traumas we treat
The complex care we provide includes, but is not limited to the following:
Abdominal injuries
Internal bleeding or damage to organs like the liver, spleen, or intestines
Chest injuries
Rib fractures, punctured lungs, or other significant thoracic (throat) trauma
Complex fractures
Multiple or severely broken bones, including open fractures (where bones are exposed)
Complex surgical emergencies
Cases that need immediate surgical intervention, such as those involving internal organ damage
Multi-system trauma
Cases involving multiple injuries affecting different areas of the body
Penetrating injuries
Gunshot wounds, stab wounds, or other injuries involving penetration of the body
Severe blunt-force trauma
Injuries from car accidents, falls, or industrial accidents
Severe burns
Extensive burns requiring specialized treatment and care
Severe hemorrhaging
Critical blood loss needing rapid control and blood transfusion
What to expect
The trauma-care journey is made up of four parts: patient arrival, treatment, rehabilitation, and follow-up care.
Patient arrival
Supported by a network of first responders, patients are typically transported to the hospital (by AeroMed or an ambulance). While in transit, communication with the hospital begins so that our trauma team is prepared for patient arrival.
Treatment
Upon patient arrival, the focus of our team is to address life-threatening injuries, such as a brain injury or bleeding. We then identify all injuries sustained and initiate treatment by calling upon our multidisciplinary team.
Rehabilitation
In partnership with physical and occupational therapists and rehabilitation facilities across Michigan, we identify a team best suited to each patient’s needs. Some need in-home physical therapy, while others require longer treatment in an inpatient setting.
Follow-up care
Because post-traumatic needs can be complex, we develop a follow-up plan to meet each patient’s specific case. Whether follow-up is short- or long-term, we walk alongside patients through every step of the recovery process.
Level 1 trauma care
A Level 1 trauma center is a medical facility that offers the highest level of care for severe injuries. Recognized by the American College of Surgeons, our Level 1 trauma centers provide complete care for complex injuries—from initial assessment and treatment through rehabilitation. Beyond our own community, we accept thousands of hospital transfers each year for those whose injuries require Level 1 expertise.
Trauma level 1 teams might include:
Depending on the type of trauma, several of the following specialists could be on the team.
Anesthesiologist
Gives general anesthesia and manages patients in the operating room so surgeons can safely perform surgery.
Burn-care specialist
Provides assessment and treatment of burns, including excision of burned skin and skin grafting.
Care manager
Works with patients and family throughout their stay, facilitating discharge and ensuring that home needs are met.
Emergency-medicine specialist
Assists with the initial evaluation and stabilization of critically-ill trauma patients.
Flight/EMS
Performs initial assessment, treatments and facilitates transport to the hospital, by air or road.
Geriatric-trauma specialist
Provides care for patients over the age of 65, including care coordination for safe and effective discharge.
Neurosurgeon
Manages injuries of the brain and skull and performs surgery when needed.
Nurse/Nurse tech
Works with patients around-the-clock to support recovery, navigate injuries, and facilitate a positive trajectory.
Orthopedic surgeon
Assesses and treats injuries associated with the bones with the goal of restoring form and function.
Palliative-care specialist
Ensures the comfort of patients; that care follows patient wishes, and helps with transition to hospice care, if needed.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation
Helps patients restore movement, with the goal of supporting normal activities of daily life.
Radiologist
Provides expert review of all imaging studies (X-rays, MRI, CT, etc.) so injuries can be appropriately classified and treated.
Spine surgeon
Assesses and treats injuries and disorders of the spine, performing surgery when needed.
Subspecialists
Subspecialists are available 24/7 to assess and treat any injury.
Surgical intensivist
Cares for critically-injured patients, managing transfusions, ventilators, and other interventions.
Trauma surgeon
Identifies and treats life-threatening injuries, and manages care during the patient's stay.
