Trauma Prevention and Preparation

Falling is not a normal part of aging, and most falls can be prevented. Learning how to avoid falls and reduce your risk of falling can prevent a visit to the hospital. Injuries from a fall can affect your independence and quality of life. Learn the six steps for fall prevention.

Contact the Injury Prevention Coordinator at 303-689-4623 or your local agency on aging for more information on fall prevention programs.

We spend so much of our time in motor vehicles. Unfortunately, injuries from motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of death and injury in Colorado. Following car safety tips, using seat belts and correct installation of car seats can decrease the risk of injury. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Road Safety website to learn more.

• Car-Fit  -Car-Fit offers the opportunity to make sure your personal vehicle is just the right "fit" for you to continue driving safely and independently. During your 30-minute appointment, a team of trained Car-Fit Technicians will check the settings of your car and offer helpful recommendations that allow you to use your car safely. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Trauma Outreach and Injury Prevention Coordinator at 303-689-4623.

• Learn more about helmet safety - For Parents: Bicycle, In-Line Skating, Skateboard, and Scooter Safety

• ThinkFirst is a nationally recognized Injury Prevention Foundation with educational resources for all ages. These resources focus on preventing injuries that affect the brain and spinal cord but include a variety of topics including fall prevention, motor vehicle safety, bicycle safety, pedestrian safety, and infant safety. The education provided in these interactive classes makes choosing safe behavior an easy choice! Information and activities are available for elementary, teen, and adult ages. For more information or to schedule a ThinkFirst presentation, please contact the Trauma Outreach and Injury Prevention Coordinator at 303-689-4623.

Did you know that uncontrolled bleeding is the number one cause of preventable death from trauma? With knowledge and training, you could help save a life! Stop the Bleed is a free 60-minute class that will teach you how to control bleeding for a victim or yourself before Medical Personnel arrive. The purpose of this class is to better prepare the public to save lives by raising awareness of basic actions to stop life threatening bleeding following everyday emergencies and man-made and natural disasters. For more information and to arrange a free class, please contact the Trauma Outreach and Injury Prevention Coordinator at 303-689-4623. 

Register online for a class today!

Help and resources are available if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, relationship problems, a family crisis, anxiety, depression, bullying, stress, disability and substance abuse issues.  

IF YOU ARE IN A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY CALL 911

If you need someone to talk to right away: 

• Colorado Crisis Services- CALL 1-844-493-8255, TEXT “TALK” to 38255, or visit www.coloradocrisisservices.org for support or a nearby urgent mental health center.
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline- CALL 1-800-273-8255 or visit http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/.
• Crisis Text Line- Text HELLO to 741741 or visit http://www.crisistextline.org/

Additional Resources

• Mental Health: Finding the help you need
• Knowing When to Seek Treatment for Your Child
• What is substance use or dependence?
• What do you know about addiction? A Quiz

If you have a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. Paramedics, in essence, bring the emergency room to you by performing many of the same life-saving treatments and assessments as the emergency room. While on your way to the Emergency room, the Paramedics notify the Emergency Room Physicians of your condition so they can be more prepared for your arrival, thus saving time in your care and treatment.

We appreciate the important role first responders play in all emergency situations. We work closely with local emergency medical services to make sure everyone is well prepared to handle any emergency. If you are a first responder interested in educational opportunities to improve your skills and knowledge, explore Good Samaritan Medical Center’s educational opportunities today.