10 Years of Level I Trauma Verification 2025 Trauma Report
UT Medical Center’s Level I Trauma Center works daily to advance trauma care in East Tennessee and beyond. As the only Level I Trauma Center to receive verification from the American College of Surgeons in our region, we are committed to performing at the highest level of care for our patients and their families. We offer comprehensive care, beginning with the first responders and continuing after discharge with physical therapy, support services such as the Trauma Survivors Network, and other vital resources. Our hard-working and humble providers are committed to the best outcomes for our patients, regardless of their ethnic background, gender or social situation. This report acknowledges the Emergency and Trauma staff and their unwavering dedication to their community. Acknowledgments
Reagan Bollig, MD, FACS Associate Professor, Division of Trauma and Critical Care Surgery Medical Director, Trauma Services
Theresa Day MSN, RN, CCRN Trauma Program Manager
Table of Contents
The Year that Broke Us, Rebuilt Us ...............................................4 A Decade Verified .............................................................................6 Leadership ..........................................................................................8 Surgeons .............................................................................................9 Advanced Practice Providers .......................................................10 Trauma Registrars and TSN Staff ................................................11 Injury Prevention ............................................................................ 12 Trauma Services Program Staff ..................................................13 Trauma Patients by County ..........................................................14 Six Lives Changed by One Decision ...........................................16 Organ Donation Updates .............................................................17 Causes of Traumatic Injury ...........................................................18 Arrivals and Hospitalizations ......................................................19 Trauma Admissions and Visits ...................................................20 Trauma Patient Distribution ........................................................21 Trauma Center Statistics................................................................22 Trauma Patients 65 and Older ....................................................23 Trauma Survivors Network ..........................................................24 SBIRT Program .................................................................................25 ASD and PTSD Programs ...............................................................25 Pastoral Care ...................................................................................26 Guardian Angel ..............................................................................27
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The Year That Broke Us, Rebuilt Us
After being hit by a pickup truck, police deputy Lucas Shoffner spent nearly a month in a coma at UT Medical’s Level I Trauma Center. Doctors never expected him to walk again. He proved them wrong. In August 2022, Lucas and Nicole Shoffner, who at the time were both deputies with Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, were attempting to fix a miniature motorcycle on the side of the road, when a pickup truck hit them. Lucas shoved his wife aside and took the brunt of the impact head on. He was taken to UT Medical’s Level I Trauma Center and diagnosed with a severe traumatic brain injury, or TBI, facial fractures and blood clots. As a result of the impact, Lucas’ brain swelled, which can be deadly. “He had what is called ‘malignant medically refractory intracranial hypertension,’” said Christopher Gallati, MD, the neurosurgeon caring for him. “That means that the swelling didn’t respond to standard medical interventions and procedures, including an external ventricular drain.” An external ventricular drain helps get rid of the extra fluid to decrease the intracranial pressure. That worked, but only temporarily. So, Gallati discussed performing a hemicraniectomy. That’s a procedure where a neurosurgeon removes part of the skull so the brain can swell without causing further injury. It can also help to prevent severe swelling, which can be fatal. At this point, Lucas’ prognosis was grim. “He came in with a good exam,” said Gallati. “But over time, he declined. Combined with the brain swelling, that can result in severe neurological disability or even death.”
Nicole remembers it from a wife’s perspective. “At one point, they told me to say goodbye,” she said. “But I refused to imagine life without him.” Lucas survived the hemicraniectomy and, after nearly a month in a medically induced coma, he woke up. At that point, Nicole received a packet with accessibility options for their house, like wheelchair ramps and handrails. “Nobody expected him to wake up, much less walk,” she said. Because his TBI was so severe, he was expected to be in ICU until Christmas, but Lucas defied expectations again. Even though half his skull had been removed, and he was fighting multiple infections, he was discharged to rehab in three weeks, not the three months that doctors had predicted. “I was in the outpatient program, wearing a helmet to cover the hole in my head,” he said. “I had to relearn how to walk, talk and do the basic functions of life.” In addition to those challenges, Lucas’ right arm was paralyzed. As a member of the Kentucky National Guard and a sheriff’s deputy, this brought up questions about whether he would be able to work in his field again. “I wanted to go back to my old jobs, but I knew I couldn’t unless I could hold and fire my weapon.”
4
He’d been honorably discharged from the National Guard after his accident and put on leave from his role with the sheriff’s office. Despite the odds being stacked against him, his goal was to get back to work as a deputy within his six-month disability period.
On August 1, 2023, a year to the day after the accident, brought more good news: Lucas and Nicole learned they were having a baby. “That was the coolest part of the whole thing,” Nicole said. “It was exactly a year after the crash that we found out. The year that broke us, rebuilt us.” To be re-enlisted in the Army, Lucas had to be cleared for speech, walking and using his arm, and he met those goals. “I jumped through all the hoops, filled out the paperwork, and re-enlisted in 2024,” he said. “I finally felt like myself.” Lucas recently completed drill sergeant school, the hardest academic school in the Army. And he’s now working in Loudoun County as a deputy. “We can’t say enough about the team at UT Medical,” Nicole said. “They shot straight, in a calm way, explaining every step along the way. They saved Lucas’ life.”
“I stayed motivated,” Lucas said. “My mindset has always been that tomorrow will be better than today. And I kept that mindset, even when taking five steps was my biggest challenge.” After a month in rehab, Lucas had remastered walking and talking. He worked with a police department using a simulation firearm to refamiliarize himself with handling and shooting in law enforcement scenarios. In late October, he went back into the hospital for a cranioplasty, which restored his skull. Within his six-month deadline, he returned to his job with the police department.
How has Lucas’s life changed since the injury? “It’s made me be so thankful and appreciative of each moment, waking up not knowing if I was promised the next day,” he said. “Now I’m always in a good mood, grateful for where I’m at, and that God has provided me and my family blessings. The most exciting thing is coming home and seeing my wife and daughter.”
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A Decade Verified: 10 Years of Level I Trauma Excellence
What Reverification Really Means Level I Trauma Center status is the highest verification awarded by the American College of Surgeons. Reverification is a rigorous, multi-day review that examines every aspect of trauma care — from prehospital emergency response and collaboration to surgery, intensive care, rehabilitation, education and performance improvement. Earning reverification confirms that our center meets — and often exceeds — national standards for: • Immediate, 24/7 access to trauma surgeons and subspecialists • Advanced surgical and critical care capabilities for the most complex injuries • Robust performance improvement programs that continuously analyze outcomes and drive better care • Education and training for physicians, nurses, EMS professionals and the next generation of trauma leaders • Research and community outreach that translate evidence into action and prevention Reverification validates that our systems work — day and night, for every patient, every time. 10 Years Strong: From The First Verification to Today When we achieved initial verification a decade ago, it transformed trauma care across our region. Over the last 10 years, that foundation has grown into a highly coordinated trauma system serving our 21-county service area and beyond. Since that first verification, our center has:
In 2025, the medical center marked a milestone moment for our region. We have once again earned Level I Trauma Center reverification — and we’re celebrating 10 years since our original verification. For our community, it’s a promise renewed of readiness, expertise and lifesaving care when seconds matter most. What is a Level I Trauma Center? As the area’s only Level I Trauma Center, the Emergency and Trauma Center at UT Medical provides trauma services for a 21-county service area. Designated trauma care facilities are an integral aspect of care for patients with traumatic injuries. Prompt access to a Level I Trauma Center reduces the risk of death by 25%. Severely injured patients more than one hour from a trauma center are at an increased risk of death. A Level I Trauma Center is a comprehensive regional resource that is a tertiary care facility central to the trauma system and capable of providing total care for every aspect of injury — from prevention through rehabilitation.
• Strengthened regional partnerships with EMS agencies and referring hospitals • Expanded clinical capabilities to care for the most critically injured patients in our region • Invested in training and simulation, ensuring teams are prepared for rare but high-stakes scenarios • Built a culture of continuous improvement, using data to refine care pathways and outcomes
Reaching the 10-year mark is both a celebration of how far we’ve come and a commitment to keep moving forward.
6
Why This Matters to Our Community For a region as large and diverse as ours, Level I status means access. Whether an injury happens on a rural roadway, a family farm or in the heart of the city, patients can be rapidly transported to a center equipped to handle the most severe trauma. For our community, reverification means: • Faster access to definitive care for life-threatening injuries • Care close to home, reducing the need for long-distance transfers • Stronger emergency response network, from first responders to rehabilitation • Confidence that the highest national standards are being met
Behind the Scenes: A Team Effort This achievement belongs to an extraordinary team:
• Trauma surgeons • Emergency physicians • Nurses • Advanced practice providers
• Anesthesiologists • Therapists • Registrars • Educators
• EMS partners • Social Work • Support staff
Looking Ahead As we honor this 10-year milestone, our focus remains firmly on the future. Reverification challenges us to keep asking hard questions, embracing innovation and strengthening the trauma system that our neighbors rely on in their most vulnerable moments. For our region, Level I Trauma reverification is more than an accolade — it’s reassurance. When the unthinkable happens, the right care is ready. Ten years verified. One mission unchanged: saving lives. It reflects thousands of hours of preparation, chart review, training and collaboration — often happening quietly behind the scenes. Reverification is not a single event; it’s the result of years of daily excellence.
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Leadership
Medical Director
Associate Medical Director
Vice President
Medical Director
Heather Tiftickjian, MSN, RN, NEA-BC Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care, UT LIFESTAR
Brian Daley, MD, FACS, MBA, FCCP, CNSP Trauma Services
Reagan Bollig, MD, FACS Trauma Services
Heath R. Many, MD, FACS Trauma Surgical Critical Care
Trauma Multidisciplinary Liaison Team A multidisciplinary trauma peer-review committee was formed to include liaisons from all the subspecialty groups that are involved in trauma care. This committee meets monthly to review all aspects of trauma care, including systematic review of all mortalities, significant complications and process variances associated with unanticipated outcomes. Our goal is to improve patient care, including prehospital care, acute care issues, post-discharge requirements as well as outreach and injury prevention.
J. Doug Keller, DO Trauma Anesthesia Liaison
William E. Snyder, Jr., MD Trauma Neurosurgeon Liaison Kostas M. Triantafillou, MD Trauma Orthopaedic Surgeon Liaison
J. Michael McCoy, DDS Trauma Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Liaison Jeffrey W. Cloyd, MD Emergency Department Liaison UT LIFESTAR Medical Director Jeffrey Peeke, MD Trauma Radiology Liaison
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Surgeons
Brian J. Daley, MD, FACS, MBA, FCCP, CNSP
Davis P. Berry, MD
Reagan Bollig, MD, FACS
Alexander C. Cavalea, MD
Jacob D. Edwards, MD
Justin D. Gerard, MD
John E. Griepentrog, MD
Devin Gillaspie, MD
C. Lindsay McKnight, MD, FACS
Kyle C. Lange, DO
Hannah M. Nemec, MD
Heath R. Many, MD, FACS
Todd A. Nickloes, DO, FACOS, FACS
Lou M. Smith, MD, FACS
Stephanie E. Scott, MD
R. Frank Roberts, MD, FACS
Acknowledgments • Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery • Department of Radiology • Department of Surgery • Division of Plastic Surgery • Neurosurgical Associates
• University Anesthesiology • University General Surgeons • University Orthopaedic Surgeons
• Ryan J. Green, DO, FACEP • Benjamin T. Bevill, MD • Thomas J. Christianson, MD
• TeamHealth • UT LIFESTAR • Pastoral Care
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Advanced Practice Providers
Marty E. Griffith, NP
Mallory M. Allen, NP
Chelsea M. Hearn, FNP-BC
Kristin M. Hoover, NP
Catherine L. Keller, NP
Hannah R. Jumper, NP
Mark T. Howard, PA
Samantha R. Kirkland, NP
Krista L. Roach, NP-C
Haley L. Laymance, NP-BC
Sean M. Little, NP
Jessica A. Martin, NP
Catherine L. Wilson, AGACNP-BC
Rachel M. Terry, NP
Jennifer N. Smith, FNP-BC
Kristina Wilson, NP
Advanced Practice Providers include nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified registered nurse anesthetists and clinical nurse specialists. These licensed clinicians help our physicians diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications and develop treatment plans. They hold master’s or doctoral degrees and specialize in trauma care. They are a fundamental part of patient care at UT Medical.
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Trauma Registrars and TSN Staff
The TSN is a national program developed by the American Trauma Society. It helps trauma patients and their families connect with one another and rebuild their lives after a serious injury. The TSN staff acts as liaisons for patients and their families, introducing them to the program and giving them access to resources aimed at helping them rebuild their lives. TSN is a free service to trauma survivors and their families. Trauma Survivors Network
Becky A. Kali, RHIT, CPC, CSTR/Lead Registrar
Linda Bushong, RHIT
Jan Ely
Yaritza Huichapa, RHIT, CCS-P
Vicki Harness, CSTR, CCA, CAISS
Karen Jenkins
TSN Clinical Social Worker Haley Carver, BSSW
Coordinates the day-to-day operations of the TSN program and serves as a point of contact for program participants, office and clinical support personnel.
Mandi Finchum, RHIT Tiffany Garrison, RHIT, CPC
Traonna Smith, RHIT
TSN Development Coordinator Elizabeth Waters, BSSW, MSSW, LAPSW Coordinates day-to-day operations of the TSN program with the clinical social worker. Also creates and maintains database information for program evaluation and reporting for TSN, SBIRT and PTSD programs. Assists with facilitation of all Trauma Services’ social and emotional support programs.
Ellie McCammon, RHIT
Jo Rodriguez
Melanie Feitig, RHIT
The Trauma Registrar is an integral member of the Trauma Center. Trauma registry data is abstracted and entered by the Trauma Registrar. Trauma registry data is used internally in the continuous performance improvement process at the medical center. Data is reported to the National Trauma Data Bank and the Tennessee State Trauma Registry. High-quality data begins with high-quality data abstraction and entry — it is the trauma registrar who performs this task and then analyzes the data and prepares it for distribution in its most useful format.
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At UT Medical, we recognize that injuries are not accidents — they are predictable and preventable events. As the region’s only ACS-verified Level I Trauma Center, prevention remains a foundational component of our mission to serve and protect our 21-county service area. Injury Prevention
Our Commitment Injury prevention is not a single event or annual campaign — it is an ongoing investment in the health and safety of our region. Every helmet fitted, every fall risk identified, every class taught and every partnership formed represents another opportunity to prevent injury. Because the most effective trauma care is the injury that never occurs. A Year of Transition and Growth In 2025, we marked a year of transition and growth within our Injury Prevention and Trauma Outreach program. This year, Injury Prevention and Trauma Outreach were formally unified into a single, coordinated effort. This strengthens our ability to deliver consistent messaging, expand community partnerships and measure impact across the service area. Additionally, 2025 marked the first year with two dedicated coordinators in this role. Expanding to a dual-coordinator model will allow us to broaden our reach, enhance community engagement and increase program sustainability while maintaining alignment with trauma system priorities and ACS standards. Thank You, Gigi and Sarah In 2025, two of our team members in the Injury Prevention and Trauma Outreach program moved on, Gigi Taylor, MSN, RN, TCRN, CEN and Sarah Dills, BSN, RN, TCRN, CEN. Gigi, our ATLS and FCCS Course Coordinator, oversaw trauma education and outreach for local, regional and national physicians. Sarah, our Trauma Outreach Coordinator, played a significant role in ensuring that the Trauma Center serves as a community and regional resource. Their leadership established a foundation upon which we continue to build.
Evidence-Based Safety Education Through school programs, community events, EMS education, health care partnerships and targeted prevention initiatives, our team continues to deliver evidence-based safety education across the lifespan. Over the past four years, our Injury Prevention and Outreach efforts have reached:
3,916 3,106 4,302 3,405
Individuals in 2025
2024
2023
Gigi Taylor, MSN, RN, TCRN, CEN
Sarah Dills, BSN, RN, TCRN, CEN
2022
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Trauma Services Program Staff Theresa Day, MSN, RN, CCRN Trauma Program Manager
The Trauma Program Manager is fundamental to the development, implementation and evaluation of the Trauma Program. In addition to administrative responsibilities, the Trauma Program Manager must show evidence of educational preparation, certification and clinical experience in the field of trauma care. Key responsibilities include: organization of performance improvement activities; management of the trauma registry; and coordination of outreach education and injury prevention activities at the community, state and national levels.
Kayla Henson, MSSW Brief Intervention Social Worker
The Brief Intervention Social Worker is responsible for the Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment programs for substance use and post-traumatic stress disorder. Key responsibilities include: conducting assessments and providing brief interventions to trauma patients who screen positive for risky behavior or are at risk of developing PTSD; building and maintaining partnerships with area treatment programs, and following up with trauma patients with additional resources.
Dani Crowe, BSN, RN, CEN Pediatric Trauma Coordinator/Education Coordinator
The Pediatric Trauma Coordinator/Education Coordinator plays a key role in pediatric trauma operations, while advancing trauma education for physicians and advanced practice providers across the region. This role leads pediatric trauma performance improvement efforts to ensure high-quality care and effective systems coordination. The coordinator is responsible for organizing and directing multiple courses each year, supporting the continued education and preparedness of trauma providers. Through these efforts, the position strengthens both pediatric trauma care and regional trauma education initiatives.
Debi Tuggle, RN, CEN and DaWanda Forester, MSN, RN Trauma Performance Improvement Coordinators
Melinda Wilson, MAOL, CPC, CCEMT-P and Amber Thompson, BSN, RN, EMT Trauma Outreach & Injury Prevention The Trauma Outreach and Injury Prevention Coordinator plays a key role in advancing injury prevention initiatives and strengthening regional trauma system collaboration. This position leads community-based prevention efforts focused on the region’s leading mechanisms of injury, while supporting trauma outreach education for EMS agencies and referring health care facilities. The coordinator works to develop partnerships across the service area, implement evidence-based prevention programs, and expand educational opportunities that promote injury reduction and improve trauma system performance. Through these efforts, the role helps extend the impact of trauma services beyond the hospital by promoting safety, education, and prevention throughout the community. The Trauma Performance Improvement Coordinator’s primary responsibility is to monitor and continually improve structures, processes and outcomes within the institution in collaboration with the Trauma Medical Director and Trauma Program Manager. The reports generated support a number of functions, including performance improvement activities; development of research projects for publication and presentations at national meetings; and providing information to support legislative and educational initiatives, which impact the safety of our community.
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Trauma Patients by County
Montgomery 4
Robertson
Sumner
Stewart
2
Lake
6
Trousdale
Obion
Henry
Houston
Weakley
Cheatham 2
1
2
Davidson
Wilson 3
Dickson 1
Benton
7
Dyer
1
Humphreys
Gibson
Carroll
1
2
Williamson Rutherford
3
4
Crockett
Hickman
1
Lauderdale
Henderson
Maury
Perry
Madison
Haywood
2
Tipton
2
Decatur
Lewis
Bedford
1
Marshall
2
Chester
Moore
Shelby
Lawrence Giles
Fayette
Hardeman
Hardin Wayne
McNairy
9
Lincoln
1
1
2
1
Referring Hospitals Appalachian Regional Healthcare (Kentucky)
2
Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System
220 123
Big South Fork Medical Center Blount Memorial Hospital Claiborne Medical Center Cookeville Regional Medical Center
73
North Knoxville Medical Center
236
Other
72
74
Parkwest Medical Center Rhea Medical Center
112
8
1 1
Covenant Health Roane
102
River Park Hospital
Cumberland County Hospital (Kentucky)
1
Starr Regional Medical Center - Athens Starr Regional Medical Center - Etowah Sweetwater Hospital Association
111 34
Cumberland Medical Center
239
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Fort Loudoun Medical Center Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center
2
123
119 154
Sycamore Shoals Hospital 1 Tennova Healthcare - Jefferson Memorial Hospital 62 Tennova Healthcare - LaFollette Medical Center 69 Tennova Healthcare - Newport Medical Center 88 Tennova Healthcare - Turkey Creek Medical Center 91 The Medical Center at Albany (Kentucky) 1
Highpoint Health Sumner With Ascension Saint Thomas Holston Valley Medical Center Johnson City Medical Center Johnston Memorial Hospital
1
2 2
1 1
Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital (Kentucky)
LeConte Medical Center Livingston Regional Hospital Methodist Medical Center
330
2
174
Middlesboro ARH Hospital (Kentucky)
84
14
1
Hancock
Clay
Sullivan
Claiborne
Johnson
Hawkins
Scott
5
14
152
Campbell
1
53
124
Overton Fentress
169
188
Grainger
Union
Washington
5
Carter
Hamblen
114 138
13
7
Greene
257
Morgan
Putnam
30
Anderson
20
90
Knox Jefferson
274
Unicoi
239
Cumberland
Cocke
2155
White
272
191
Roane
13
Sevier
184
Loudon
522
Blount
214
Bledsoe
Warren 1
583
10
Meigs
Rhea
25 50
Monroe
McMinn
263
1
173
2
Polk
Hamilton Bradley
11
12
17
Trauma Patients’ Home States Alabama
21
North Carolina North Dakota New Hampshire
69
Arkansas
3 5 8 2 3 3
2 2 4
Arizona
California Colorado
New Jersey New Mexico
1
Connecticut
New York
14 46
Delaware
Ohio
Florida Georgia
52 78
Oklahoma
6
Pennsylvania South Carolina South Dakota
14 27
Iowa
2
Illinois
24 39
1
Indiana Kansas
Tennessee
6,557
2
Texas Utah
22
Kentucky Louisiana
251
3
10
Virginia
51
Massachusetts
4 6 2
Washington
1
Maryland
Wisconsin
12
Maine
West Virginia
8
Michigan Minnesota Mississippi
26
2 5 6
Missouri
15
Christian, Donor
Alison, Recipient
Six Lives Changed by One Decision
When Kirby and Martha walked into the Emergency & Trauma Center in August, they were facing every parent’s worst nightmare. Their 23-year-old son, Christian, had been critically injured in an ATV accident. In the hours that followed, physicians, nurses and other team members walked beside the family through the most difficult decisions of their lives. “The people there went above and beyond,” Martha said. “From the moment we arrived until the last step we took out of the hospital, the compassion and respect they showed us meant everything.” Throughout the long night and the following day, the hospital waiting room filled with friends, neighbors and extended family from the tight-knit Scott County community. The room resounded with stories about Christian — the young man who loved trucks and engines, who never met a stranger and who would drop everything to help someone in need. “If somebody needed help, he’d be at our bedroom door saying he was heading out to take care of it,” Martha said. “That was just who he was.” Christian’s helping nature was evident when he applied for his driver’s license and registered as an organ donor. Because of that choice, Christian’s legacy now lives on through six people in six different states who received life-saving organ transplants. One of those lives changed by Christian’s generosity was here in Tennessee. Alison, a former paramedic and currently an EMT instructor at TCAT in Jacksboro, had spent decades responding to emergencies and caring for others. When her kidney function suddenly began to decline, she found herself in a situation she had witnessed countless times from the other side of the ambulance.
“I spent 30 years taking care of sick patients and taking them to dialysis,” Alison said. “Suddenly, I was the one who needed help.” Just days after Christian’s accident, she received the call that Kirby and Martha had chosen to donate one of Christian’s kidneys to her. When Alison arrived for surgery, Kirby, Martha and their family were waiting near the hospital entrance. Though their lives had only briefly intersected before within their small community, that moment created a connection none of them will ever forget. The transplant was successful, and Alison’s recovery was remarkable. Within weeks, she returned to the life she once feared she might lose. For Kirby and Martha, knowing their son’s decision helped others has brought a measure of light in an incredibly dark time. Although they hope to hear someday from the other organ recipients, they have no expectations. “We just want to know their lives are better than they were,” Martha said. “I knew my son had wings,” Kirby said. “I just didn’t realize how far they’d carry him.”
You Can Help Save a Life
Today, more than 2,800 Tennesseans are waiting for a life-saving transplant. Registering as an organ donor is a simple decision that can give someone the chance at more time with the people they love. You can also become a living kidney donor by contacting the Center for Transplant Services at LivingDonor@utmck.edu or by calling 865-305-5340.
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Organ Donation Update 2025 By the Numbers
number of people waiting for a kidney transplant Organ Donation AT THE MEDICAL CENTER 332 Did You Know? 8 lives can be saved through one person’s organ donation
patients die every day waiting for a lifesaving transplant
person is added to the waiting list every 8 minutes
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1
124
73
organs recovered for transplant
kidney transplants performed
108,793 Number of people waiting for a transplant in the United States
2,916 Number of people waiting for a transplant in Tennessee
23,790 Organ donors across the country 49,065 Transplants completed in the United States
485 Organ donors in Tennessee
Transplants completed in Tennessee 1,344
An Extraordinary Commitment to Science, Health and Hope
Tennessee Donor Services (TDS) serves nearly 6 million people in Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. We are a team of professionals dedicated to saving and improving lives by connecting organ and tissue donors with patients who need them. We strive to extend the reach of each generous donor’s gift to those who are profoundly grateful for them. Our Work We are proud of our partnership with UT Medical. Our work together in 2025 resulted in 47 organ donors with 124 lifesaving organ transplants.
Core Values Our performance is measured by the impact we have on the lives of families who make transplantation possible, and the patients whose lives are saved and improved by their gifts. Each TDS employee commits every day to be selfless, hardworking, passionate and dependable.
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Causes of Traumatic Injury
.5%
>2% 1% 1% >2%
3.5%
2%
6%
8%
Injuries Blunt vs. Penetrating
Causes of Traumatic Injury
Stab Wound Pedestrian ATV GSW Assault Motorcycle Crash Other MVC Fall
17%
96%
60%
Other Penetrating Blunt
Injury Severity Score
To meet Level I Trauma Center criteria, annual trauma admissions must equal at least 1,200 patients or 240 patients that have an injury severity score (ISS) of more than 15. This is a scoring system that applies a numerical value to a patient’s anatomical injuries. In 2025, Trauma Services at UT Medical Center admitted 1,184 patients with Injury Severity Scores greater than 15, which is more than five times the national requirement for a Level I Trauma Center.
Trauma Patient Distribution by Injury Severity Score
Top Three Mechanisms of Injury by Age Group
ISS
# PATIENTS
AGE
1
2
3
<8 8-15
1,608 2,287
MVC* MVC MVC MVC Falls Falls
MCC** MCC Falls Falls MVC MVC
Falls Other Blunt MCC MCC MCC Other Blunt
Minor Moderate Serious Severe Critical-Maximum
0-13 14-17 18-25 26-45 46-65 >65
16-24 25-40 41-75
749 391 44
*Motor Vehicle Crash **Motorcycle Crash
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Arrivals and Hospitalizations
.4% .1%
>1%
2%
7%
46%
Transport From Scene of Injury to Hospital 37% 43%
16%
Disposition After Leaving Emergency Department
L&D Interventional Radiology Death Transfer OR ICU Home Floor
27%
8%
Other Helicopter Private Vehicle UT LIFESTAR Referring Hospital Ambulance
9%
3%
Units of Blood Used Units of Blood Used
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019 2020 2021
2022 2023 2024 2025
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Trauma Admissions and Visits
On-Call Specialists Top Three Groups Receiving the Most Consults
As a Level I Trauma Center, the medical center is required to have general surgeons, emergency medicine physicians, intensive care physicians and anesthesiologists in house at all times. Other specialists and a full range of equipment must also be available 24/7 year-round.
Orthopaedics
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Neurosurgery
Specialty
3,413
1,190
1,856
Consultations
1,754
758
77
Operations
Patient Distribution By Day of the Week
1,194
1,173
1,086
1,026
982
984
972
7,545
7,514
Trauma Volume and Admissions Per Year Total Admits Total Volume
6,830
5,980
5,535
5,167
4,996
4,869
4,473
4,017
3,894
3,821
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Trauma Patient Distribution
Gender Distribution
Patient Distribution by Hour of Day
7 AM 8 AM 9 AM
10 AM 11 AM 12 PM
1 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PM 5 PM
53.7% 46.3%
Patient Distribution by Month
6 PM
7 PM
8 PM
9 PM
717
800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0
683
10 PM
650
587
682
11 PM
693 609
654
597
12 AM
472
564
510
1 AM
2 AM
3 AM
4 AM
5 AM
6 AM
Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
0
250
500
7,466
7,415
7,308
7,026
6,829
5,166
5,145
5,101
4,932
4,863
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Trauma Center Statistics
63% of national trauma patients were admitted to a hospital in 2025. While a high volume of patients was evaluated, many were treated and released, with over 3 in 4 total trauma patients in some regions receiving care at specialized trauma centers. Fast Fact
>1%
2%
<2% 2%
2.5%
5%
6%
8%
11%
Financial Distribution
Disposition After Leaving UT Medical Center 54%
21%
4%
2%
Self Pay Military Other Workers Comp Commercial Auto HMO/PPO BCBS Medicaid/TNCare Medicare
53%
10%
Death Hospice
8%
9%
Other Rehab Nursing Home LTAC Home Health Home
<1%
Trauma Patients Distribution By Age
2,000 1,000
900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0
<14
14-17
18-25
26-35
36-45
46-55
56-65
66-75
>75
22
Trauma Patients 65 and Older With people in the U.S. aging better and living longer, older adults are one of the fastest-growing groups in the country. This has resulted in a steady increase in trauma-related admissions in this population. Consistent with patterns across the nation, at the medical center falls are now the leading cause of unintentional injury in the older adult population, accounting for almost 77% of the admissions. Numerous studies show an increase in death and disability in older adult trauma patients when compared to a younger population; therefore, it is imperative for older adults to be rapidly transported to a trauma center — ideally during the first hour. Minor Moderate Serious Severe Critical-Maximum
Injury Severity Score Age 65 and older
ISS
# PATIENTS
<8 8-15
675 1,331
16-24 25-40 41-75
357 188 4
1%
<1%<1%
1%
1%
4%
1%
1%
2%
6%
10%
35%
8%
Discharge Destination 65+
Injury Patients 65+
12%
LTAC Other Hospice
GSW Assault ATV
83%
34%
Death Rehab
Ped. vs Car Motorcycle Other MVC Fall
Home Health Nursing Home Home
Percentage Admissions 65 and Older 6,000
Total Admits
Admits 55+ Admits 65+
59% 57.8% 59% 63% 65.6% 65% 53%
5,000
56.8%
48.5% 49% 53.7%
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
23
Trauma Survivors Network
The Trauma Survivors Network, or TSN, is a community of patients and families who are looking to connect with one another and rebuild their lives after a serious injury. The TSN website provides a place for trauma patients and their loved ones to connect with others and get the information they need to help rebuild their lives. You can visit the website at traumasurvivorsnetwork.org for more information and to connect with other survivors. UT Medical’s TSN provides the following programs: Peer Visitation Former trauma patients and caregivers are trained to be peer visitors. Peer visitors volunteer their time to visit patients and their families in the hospital and share experiences from the road to recovery after a serious injury. Peer visitors can answer your questions from the perspective of someone who has been there. Peer visits are available while inpatient and can be scheduled after discharge as we can provide them over the phone. Snack and Chat Family and friends of patients currently admitted to our Trauma Center are invited to take time to relax, have a snack and learn more about the emotional impact of trauma. Mobile Snack and Chat occurs at 10 a.m. on Thursdays with TSN going to floors 7, 9 and 10 East to serve trauma patient family and friends. In August 2025, TSN started providing a weekly caregiver support group in the Health Information Center on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. This gives family and loved ones a break from the bedside to decompress and receive any resources if requested.
Survivors Support Group, Let’s CHAT This is a general support group for trauma survivors that is held on the first Tuesday of the month. The support group is a hybrid of in-person and virtual starting at 6 p.m.
2025 STATS | 2025 STATS | 2025 STATS
TSN’s outpatient support group, Let’s CHAT, provided monthly hybrid support group opportunities to trauma patients and families during 2025. UT Medical’s TSN also promoted the National TSN program’s monthly support group to provide additional care. Elizabeth Waters, BSSW, MSSW, LAPSW also facilitated a National TSN survivor support group during July with seven participants around the country. In August 2025, TSN started a weekly caregiver support group and had eight participants during the pilot of this additional support group component. UT Medical’s TSN program supported 429 patients with 14% receiving follow-up visits. During the initial visit patients and their families are given the Trauma Patient Handbook, a brochure about the TSN program and any resources or information the patient may need support with.
For more information about TSN programs please contact the TSN Coordinators at 865-305-9970 or TSNCoordinator@utmck.edu.
24
SBIRT Program
2025 SBIRT PROGRAM BY THE NUMBERS
The Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment, or SBIRT program, was developed to identify, reduce and prevent: • Problematic drug and alcohol use
3,166
Total SBIRT Screens completed
• Health-related consequences • Traumatic injuries and deaths
SBIRT screens completed by BI Social Worker
437
Brief interventions were conducted
280
Approaching patients during the “teachable moment” of their traumatic incident provides a higher chance to bring awareness to their substance use and refer them to treatment. Research shows that SBIRT can reduce DUI arrests, health care costs and cut alcohol-related trauma incidents by up to 50%. Implementing this program with a universal screen helps Trauma Services identify the hazardous substance use patterns. Our Brief Intervention Social Worker, Kayla Henson, MSSW, implements the program so that the patients’ needs are not overlooked during their Trauma Center admission. All admitted trauma patients are screened for risky alcohol or drug use, and those who screen positive receive a brief intervention. The SBIRT program has a community component to support trauma patients who are ready to change their behaviors through referral services that are a part of the SBIRT Community Task Force. This group consists of community
Referrals to treatment post discharge Educational resources were provided
8
256 260
6-month follow-ups
Patients who received a brief intervention and completed treatment after follow-up
3
The SBIRT program’s goal is to screen, provide brief intervention and refer to treatment those ready to make a change in risky substance use and alcohol consumption.
partnerships that provide resources and referrals for individuals in need of substance use treatment and mental health services. If the patient is interested in treatment upon discharge, they are then referred to an external treatment facility that is best suited for their needs. The Brief Intervention Social Worker provides educational material, connects patients with resources within the community and helps patients analyze triggers and find coping skills.
ASD and PTSD Programs
Trauma Services has been able to meet the emotional support needs of trauma patients and their families utilizing their TSN program to address acute distress disorder symptoms.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
In addition, The American College of Surgeons supports Trauma Services’ efforts to screen and refer trauma patients with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Trauma Services’ emotional support programs use the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5), which is a 20-item, self-report measure that assesses the presence and severity of PTSD symptoms. PTSD symptoms begin within a month of the trauma but sometimes can begin years afterward. PTSD symptoms can include: • Re-experiencing • Avoidance
Acute Stress Disorder
ASD symptoms persist for a minimum of three days and last no more than one month. Symptoms include: • Intrusion • Negative mood • Dissociative symptoms • Avoidance • Arousal symptoms
• Arousal/reactivity • Cognition/mood
Continued on p. 26
25
Continued from p. 25 The PTSD Protocol includes the following inpatient and outpatient components. Inpatient Trauma ICU patients must have been in the ICU for four or more days and fit into at least one of the following categories: • Injuries in two or more body systems (ortho, neuro, trauma) • Psychopathology (death involved in the traumatic event, suicide intent, substance use) TSN provides a PTSD resource letter to trauma patients who meet the following criteria: ASD and PTSD Program
letter with the PTSD Checklist to complete and return to the BI Social Worker for scoring and follow-up. Outpatient The Trauma Clinic provides the PCL-5 to trauma patients at their follow-up visits. Completed questionnaires are collected and scored by the BI Social Worker. If a patient scores 36 or higher, the BI Social Worker will reach out to the patient and discuss the screen and any concerns or needs for further help. Patients who score at risk for PTSD receive a follow-up call and are rescreened at 30, 60 and 90 days after the initial screen.
255
Inpatient
PTSD Letters distributed
7
PCL-5 Screen follow-ups completed
• TSN follow-up contact • Received a peer visit • Received a pastoral care consult
45
Outpatient
PCL-5 screens
2 6
Referrals placed
• Expressed interest in additional emotional support Those patients will also receive a three-month follow-up
Resources given
18
Follow-up contacts completed
Pastoral Care Pastoral Care chaplains are a presence at the bedside, but that’s just the beginning of what this highly skilled and educated team offers. Their calming presence also helps keep patients and families centered, whether they’re in the high-paced and stressful environment of the Emergency Department or receiving an infusion at the Cancer Institute. As core members of the trauma team, our chaplains work with physicians and nurses to determine how to best care for patients and their families. When team members need support, Pastoral Care offers that, too.
Dexter Mims Director
William Bean Staff Chaplain
Natalie Riley Staff Chaplain
Ben Lewis Staff Chaplain
Cherry Ngwa Trauma Chaplain
Leah Ryan Staff Chaplain
Coy Callicott Certified Educator
Craig Katzenmiller Certified Educator
Lisa Casey Coordinator
26
Guardian Angel
Who’s Touched Your Life Today? Make a gift in honor of a physician, team member, nurse, housekeeper or another caregiver who made a difference in your stay. Who made a difference? Our team members are dedicated to serving our patients and their families with care and compassion. If a doctor, team member, volunteer or other caregiver has made a difference in the care you or a loved one received, we encourage you to recognize and honor that compassion through our Guardian Angel program.
How to say thank you? Our patients often express their gratitude for the excellent care they received in a variety of ways — through kind words, smiles, letters of thanks and financial contributions. The team member that you choose to acknowledge will receive a notification of your honor and a custom-crafted guardian angel lapel pin to wear proudly throughout the medical center. Why is your support important? Acknowledging an individual for a job well done is one of the most meaningful forms of support you can offer. Your gift demonstrates an understanding of the important role our team members play in enabling us to continue fulfilling our mission of excellence in patient care, education and research.
Make a Gift Today
Scan the QR code with your phone to make a gift online. For questions please contact the Office of Philanthropy at 865-305-6611 or giving@utmck.edu.
27
2025 TEE Up for Trauma Golf Tournament Benefiting the Trauma Survivors Network at UT Medical
Thank you to the event chair, Randal Dabbs, MD, FACEP, FAAFP, our corporate sponsors and more than 130 golfers in the community for supporting the region’s only Level I Trauma Center. For more information regarding sponsorship opportunities, how you can get involved, or if you would like to donate in support of The Haslam Family Emergency and Trauma Center, please contact the Office of Philanthropy at 865-305-6611 or by email at giving@utmck.edu.
Additional Sponsors • BESCO Lighting Center • BarberMcMurry Architects • Comcast Business • Crothall Healthcare • Food City • Hildreth Insurance • HUB International •
TITLE SPONSOR
EAGLE SPONSORS
Johnson & Galyon Construction Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Lewis Thomason MBI Companies Meadows & Ohly
Medfinancial
CLUBHOUSE SPONSORS
Med-Trans
Messer Construction Co.
Phillips
Pinnacle Financial Partners Quality Machine & Welding
Regions Bank
Stubble Barbershop
UT Hospice
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