Rural trauma has been termed the “neglected disease” of the 21st century. The Rural Trauma Team Development Course (RTTDC™) has been developed to improve the quality of care in rural communities by developing a timely, organized, and systemic response to the care of the trauma patient.

The course emphasizes a team approach to address common problems in the initial assessment and stabilization of the injured. RTTDC is taught by surgeons, emergency physicians, family physicians, nurses, and paramedics who are experienced trauma care providers and trauma course instructors.

Objectives of the course:

• Organize a rural trauma team with defined roles and responsibilities for the members
• Prepare a rural facility for the appropriate care of the injured patient
• Identify local resources and limitations
• Assess and resuscitate a trauma patient
• Initiate the transfer process early
• Establish a performance improvement process
•  Encourage effective communication
• Define the relationship between the rural trauma facility and the regional trauma system

For more information about the course or CME eligibility, please visit https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/trauma/education/rural-trauma-team-development-course/ for information on how to receive credit.

For more information about bringing a course to your hospital, email CCTItraining@wvumedicine.org.