Direct-to-OR Program arrives at Lutheran
Lutheran Hospital has launched a new program designed to expedite lifesaving care for patients suffering from some of the most catastrophic injuries in traumatic incidents.
The new Direct-to-Operating Room initiative allows teams to take patients with penetrating injuries such as stabbings, shootings or impalements directly from the ambulance bay or helipad to the operating room. This bypasses traditional emergency department processes when every minute counts.
This approach is part of Lutheran’s ongoing commitment to clinical excellence and patient-centered care. By streamlining the pathway for trauma patients, the program aims to reduce the time it takes to get into surgery, minimize complications and blood loss, and improve overall outcomes.
“By reducing the steps between arrival and surgery, we’re not only saving time—we’re saving lives,” said Christopher Zaw-Mon, MD, Lutheran’s medical director of Trauma. “This program exemplifies our mission to help people live the healthiest lives possible.”
Previously, when the emergency room heard from an EMS crew that they were bringing a patient with a penetrating injury, the hospital would issue an overhead page for full trauma activation. Designated specialists from multiple disciplines would then report to the emergency room and prepare to care for this patient. Still in the emergency room, the patient would be stabilized and quickly prepared for surgery.
“A penetrating trauma causes bleeding that is almost impossible to stop outside of an operating room,” said Jason Boitnott, Lutheran’s trauma performance improvement coordinator. “Now, everyone mobilized by the trauma activation heads to the OR and conducts their lifesaving work there.”
The goal is to move the patient from the ambulance bay or helipad to the dedicated trauma operating room in less than two minutes.
Boitnott said the trauma surgeons who practice at Lutheran recommended the process change. By introducing Direct-to-OR, Boitnott said Lutheran is making advanced trauma care, including care for pediatric patients, more accessible.
The Direct-to-OR program is the result of extensive planning and collaboration among emergency medical services, surgical teams and hospital leadership. Dress rehearsals and process improvement initiatives have ensured that teams are prepared to deliver seamless, high-quality care from the moment a patient arrives.
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, the teams ran through a mock exercise, testing the capabilities and readiness of Direct-to-OR. The drill was captured by Fox31 News. Click here to watch the coverage.
Our appreciation to all on our trauma teams, along with our EMS partners, who continually strive to improve our patients’ access to the highest-quality care and quick interventions they need.