Mary Washington Hospital is a Level II Trauma Center in the State of Virginia
and therefore a part of the network of trauma care in the Commonwealth
of Virginia. We serve the Rappahannock Region (REMS), including the city
of Fredericksburg, and Spotsylvania, Stafford, Caroline, King George,
Fauquier, Culpeper, Orange, and Westmoreland counties.
As a
Level II Trauma Center we initiate definitive care for all injured patients including 24-hour
immediate coverage by general surgeons, as well as coverage by the specialties
of orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine,
radiology and critical care. Our patients with critical injuries are continually
supported and cared for by highly experienced trauma care experts using
the latest in life-saving equipment and technology.
Mary Washington Hospital Trauma Services Team manages injuries that occur
from the following and more:
We provide comprehensive care, caring for you from initial injury through
to your recovery. In certain situations, Mary Washington Hospital Trauma
Center may need to send patients for specialized care when the injury
involves significant burns, or involves children with complex injuries.
We are a proud member of the Trauma Survivors Network.
Visit our TSN page.
Our Team of Trauma Experts
The Trauma Center team includes surgeons who are board-certified in trauma
and who have advanced training and certification in trauma and critical
care. Our staff also includes registered nurses and technicians specializing
in trauma injuries, radiologists, anesthesiologists, rehabilitation, respiratory
therapists and specialists in neurosurgical, orthopedic, cardiac, and
related fields.
The trauma center is staffed by in-hospital, board-certified trauma surgeons
who are available 24/7 for immediate care who work under the guidance
of an interim trauma director. Trauma care is delivered by a multidisciplinary
team with advanced training and certification in trauma.
Our trauma team provides care in the following areas:
Emergency Departments
Radiology
Operating Rooms
Surgical Intensive Care Units
Laboratory
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitative Medicine
Respiratory
Surgical sub-specialists and other medical disciplines
Regional emergency medical services (EMS) partnerships for pre-hospital
trauma care include Rappahannock EMS (REMS), air flight medical companies,
area fire and safety agencies, and state and local law enforcement. These
strategic partnerships play vital roles in supporting the infrastructure
for our trauma center.
Christina Skinner Rauch, EMT-P
MWHC EMS Coordinator
Serving as EMS Coordinator since February 2011, Christina represents Mary
Washington Healthcare with state and local EMS leadership to support regional
plans and initiatives that improve the transition of patients from pre-hospital
care to emergency department care. She serves as our liaison to area EMS,
fire agencies, Rappahannock EMS Council and other healthcare organizations.
Christina has been working in emergency services since 1987. She obtained
National Registry and Virginia Paramedic certification from Northern Virginia
Community College, Annandale, Virginia, in 1995. She served for 12 years
as the Executive Director of the Rappahannock EMS Council, and prior to
that served as a Firefighter-Paramedic with the City of Fredericksburg
for over 10 years.
Trauma Injury and Prevention
At Mary Washington Healthcare, we’re committed to empowering individuals
in our community. Our goal is to help everyone establish healthy habits
and routines that promote safety and well-being. As part of this effort,
we actively participate in injury prevention programs across Fredericksburg,
Stafford, and the surrounding areas in Virginia. By educating our community
about safety and wellness, we contribute to preventing injuries.
If your organization—school, church, scout troop, etc.—is interested
in holding a Stop the Bleed training session, please email our trauma
education outreach specialist, Amy Cantwell, to make arrangements.
Amy.Cantwell@mwhc.com
IMPACT Trauma Alliance at Mary Washington Hospital
At Mary Washington Hospital, we care deeply about your safety and well-being—both
inside and outside our walls. That’s why we’ve created the
IMPACT Trauma Alliance Team (IMPACT stands for
Integrated Management for the Prevention and Care of Trauma), a dedicated group of healthcare professionals working together to prevent
injuries and support our community.
What We Do
Our team brings together experts from across the hospital and the community—including
EMS, police, and healthcare providers—to deliver meaningful injury
prevention programs. Together, we aim to:
Reach more people with safety education and resources
Improve health outcomes through teamwork and shared knowledge
Offer hands-on programs that make a real difference
Programs We Offer
We provide a variety of free and educational services to help keep you
and your loved ones safe:
Fall Prevention Programs – Learn how to reduce your risk of falling at home or in public
Home Safety Surveys – Personalized assessments to help prevent falls in your home
Bike Helmet Giveaways – Protect your head with properly fitted helmets for all ages
Teen Driving Safety Events – Help young drivers stay safe behind the wheel
Stop the Bleed Training – Learn how to respond in emergencies and save lives
Car Seat Safety Checks – Make sure your child’s car seat is installed correctly
Why It Matters
Mary Washington Hospital is the only trauma center serving our large and
diverse region. We saw a need for a more coordinated approach to injury
prevention—and we’re answering that call. Led by our
Trauma Education and Outreach Specialist, the IMPACT Team is here to provide inclusive, preventive care through
education, collaboration, and direct community engagement. Learn more
and arrange for training by contacting Amy Cantwell at Amy.Cantwell@mwhc.com.
Young children are more likely to get hurt from falling. Falls are a common
reason why kids end up in the hospital, especially those under 4 years old.
Here are some important safety tips:
Keep an eye on babies: Never leave babies alone on furniture like beds, tables, or sofas—even
if they haven’t started rolling over yet. Instead, put them on the
floor or in a crib with safe sides.
Baby walkers aren’t safe: Baby walkers might seem fun, but they cause more injuries than anything
else. They let little ones get to places where they could fall down stairs
or other risky spots.
Stairs and windows: Install gates at the top and bottom of stairs until kids can climb safely.
Also, move chairs, cribs, and beds away from windows. Kids can quickly
climb to window edges and fall—even from windows opened just a little bit.
Secure windows: Use window guards or locks to keep children from falling out. Window screens
aren’t strong enough. If you need fresh air, open the window from the top.
Adjust the crib: As babies grow, lower the crib mattress. Stop using the crib when the top
rails are less than 3/4 of the child’s height.
Watch for slippery surfaces: Make sure rugs don’t slide by using something grippy underneath them.
Choose safe play equipment: Pick playthings that are close to the ground and safe for small children.
Every year, lots of kids end up in the emergency room because of playground
accidents. We want you to stay safe, so here’s what you need to know:
Supervision matters: Always keep an eye on kids to prevent pushing, shoving, and crowding around
playground equipment.
Age-appropriate play: Make sure kids play on equipment that’s right for their age. No
monkey bars for little ones! Keep them away from equipment where they
might fall from a height of six feet or more.
Check the ground: Look at the surface under playground equipment. Avoid asphalt, concrete,
grass, and soil. Good surfaces include hardwood fiber, mulch chips, pea
gravel, fine sand, or shredded rubber—they can cushion falls.
No drawstrings! Cut off hood and neck drawstrings from kids’ outerwear. These can
get caught on slides and other playground equipment.
Watch their heads: Kids shouldn’t play near spaces where their heads could get stuck,
like openings in guardrails or between ladder rungs.
Inspect equipment: Check playground equipment for safety. No loose bolts, sharp edges, or
jagged points.
Beware of hot metal: Before young kids play on metal equipment, feel it first. Metal gets super
hot in the sun and can burn skin.
Avoid hazards: Look out for broken glass, exposed concrete, or tree stumps around the
playground.
Stay sway from traffic: Fences or walls between the playground and the street keep kids safe from
cars. Install playground equipment at least six feet away from fences,
walls, or trees.
Riding bikes and skateboards is awesome, but safety comes first! Here’s
what you need to know:
Bike Rules
Bikes follow the same rules as cars. Ride on the right side of the road
with traffic.
Use hand signals to show when you’re turning.
Respect traffic signals and stop signs.
Always look left, right, and left again before crossing a street.
Helmet Time!
Whenever you ride a bike, scooter, or skateboard, wear a helmet.
Make sure it fits just right: Sit it flat on your head, about two finger
widths above your eyebrows. The side buckles should form a “V”
under your ears. Buckle the chinstrap so only two fingers fit between
your chin and the strap.
Extra Gear: For scooters, skates, or skateboards, use wrist guards and elbow/knee pads.
Helmet Check
Look for a helmet with a special sticker saying it meets safety standards (CPSC).
Check the date it was made; if it’s older than 5 years, get a new one.
After any crash, replace your helmet – it did its job protecting you!
Supervision is key: Never leave a child alone near water. This includes bathtubs, pools, spas,
toilets, and other water sources. Even a second of unsupervised time can
be dangerous.
Secure pool areas: Install a five-foot fence around your pool or spa. Make sure the gate
is self-closing and out of a child’s reach. Keep fence openings
no wider than four inches to prevent squeezing through.
No flotation devices alone: Don’t rely solely on flotation devices or swimming lessons to protect
your child. Active supervision is essential.
Avoid night swimming: Swimming after dark increases the risk of accidents. Stick to daylight
hours for water activities.
Know the conditions: Be aware of local weather conditions before swimming or boating. Avoid
muddy water, weak ice, and unknown areas.
No diving in shallow water: Diving into shallow water can cause spinal injuries. Avoid diving in above-ground
pools or areas with uncertain depths.
Buddy up: Always swim or boat with a buddy. The buddy system enhances safety.
Wear life jackets: Everyone, regardless of swimming ability, should wear Coast Guard-approved
personal flotation devices during water-related activities.
Stay sober: Avoid alcohol or drugs when participating in water activities.
Designate a water watcher: Assign an adult to actively supervise children around water, even if a
lifeguard is present.
Remember, these precautions can help prevent accidents and keep our kids
safe around water!
Being safe when on or near a river is also very important. Unfortunately,
most river drowning victims don’t make it to the hospital and the
tragedy turns into a recovery mission instead of a rescue. Popular riverside
parks are not always a safe place for swimming, and everyone should wear
a personal flotation device when they are on or near a river. The river
may look calm on the surface, but there are dangerous undercurrents tree
branches underneath that cannot be seen. Also, shoreline rocks and logs
can be extremely slippery.
If someone is in trouble in the water, call 911 immediately.
Reach or Throw, Row, Don’t Go:
Reach: Use a fishing pole, towel, boat oar, etc.
Throw: A rope is best - you can then pull in the person. Otherwise throw something
that will float - a ball, a plastic bottle, a lifebuoy. This will keep
the person afloat until help comes.
Row: It's not safe to go near a swimmer with the boat motor running. Use the
oars to bring the boat close enough to reach or throw.
Don't Go: Without expert training and experience in lifesaving techniques, you could
put yourself in danger along with the person you are trying to help.
Riding the school bus is really safe. But kids need to be careful when
getting on and off because that’s when accidents can happen. Kids
walking around are more likely to get hurt than others.
Bus Safety
Hang out 10 feet from the road while waiting for your bus. That’s
about as long as a big car or five steps.
No horsing around at the bus stop.
Wait until the bus stops moving before you get on.
Hold onto the handrail so you don’t trip getting on or off.
Don’t push when entering or leaving the bus.
Keep away from the sides of the bus. This is called the “Danger Zone.”
When crossing in front of the bus, make sure you can see the driver and
they can see you. Never walk behind it!
Before stepping onto the road, stop and look left, right, then left again
to check for cars.
If you drop something near the bus, tell your driver before picking it
up so they know where you are.
Walking Safety
Follow all traffic lights and signs like a pro.
Always cross at street corners where there are signals or painted lines
for walking across.
Don’t dash out between parked cars or mid-block where cars aren’t
expecting people to cross.
Always double-check both ways before crossing: left, right, then left again.
Stick to sidewalks whenever they’re there.
If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing cars so you can see them coming.
Keep your eyes peeled for cars all time time—they might not always see you!
Hold hands with a grown-up in parking lots—it keeps everyone safe!
Streets are no place for games—keep playtime away from traffic!
Each year in Virginia, kids end up in the emergency room due to dog bites.
But don’t worry! You can avoid getting bitten by following these
simple safety tips:
Approach with caution: Don’t go near a dog you don’t know.
Some dogs may feel scared or protective. When riding your bike or rollerblading,
avoid getting too close to dogs. They might want to chase you.
Stay calm and still: If a strange dog approaches you, stay calm. Don’t
scream or run away. Be still like a tree. Avoid eye contact, and don’t
turn and run. Back away slowly.
If knocked over: Roll into a ball and lie still like a log. This helps
prevent further harm.
Ask permission to pet: Always ask the owner before petting a dog. Not all
dogs like to be touched. Don’t play with a dog unless an adult is
supervising.
Report unusual behavior: If you see a stray dog or one acting strangely,
tell an adult immediately. Avoid direct eye contact with the dog.
Be respectful: Don’t bother a dog that’s sleeping, eating,
or caring for puppies. Let the dog see and sniff you before petting.
Before getting a dog: Consult with professionals to choose a suitable breed
for your household. Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog.
First aid for bites: Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Seek
medical attention right away. Report the bite to local authorities.
Remember, dogs are our friends, but safety always comes first!
Every year, fires can cause serious harm. Here’s how to stay safe:
Smoke alarms: Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and test
them each month.
Heaters and stoves: Keep objects at least three feet away from heaters,
stoves, and wood-burning devices. Turn off and unplug heaters when you’re
not using them.
Smoking safety: Use big ashtrays and wet cigarette butts before emptying
them. Never smoke when you’re tired, lying down, or in bed.
Cooking precautions: Wear tight sleeves while cooking and use oven mitts.
Don’t leave pans unattended.
Emergency response: Remember “STOP, DROP, and ROLL” if your
clothes catch fire. For burns, cool them with water and seek medical help
if they’re severe. Don’t use butter or grease on burns.
Escape plan: Know two ways out of each room. Practice your fire escape
plan. If there’s a fire, get out and call 911.
Preventing firearm injuries is crucial. Here’s how:
Safe storage: Keep firearms unloaded and securely locked using a safe, locked box, trigger
lock, or chamber lock. Store ammunition separately from firearms.
Risk reduction: If you have a family member who is depressed or suicidal, remove firearms
from your home.
Before sending your child to someone’s house: Ask if firearms in their home are stored unloaded and locked. Inquire
about separate ammunition storage. Check if there are shotguns and rifles,
not just handguns. If you’re unsure about another home’s safety,
invite children to play at your place.
Talk to your children: Discuss firearm risks in places they visit or play. Teach them to leave
a firearm alone and immediately inform an adult if they find one. Instruct
them to leave the room and tell an adult if another child shows them a weapon.
Open communication and safe practices can prevent firearm-related injuries.
Every year, many older adults suffer serious injuries or permanent disability
due to home fires or falls. Adults aged 65 and older are twice as likely
to be harmed by falls or fires compared to the general population.
Here are some important tips to prevent falls:
Stay active: Regular exercise helps build strength, balance, and coordination. Try activities
like walking, tai chi, or gentle stretching.
Clear pathways: Keep stairs and walkways free from tripping hazards. Remove clutter, loose
rugs, and obstacles.
Eye checkup: Visit an eye specialist annually to ensure good vision. Clear vision helps
prevent accidents.
Improve lighting: Brighten your home. Turn on lights before using stairs, and consider adding
night-lights along the path from the bedroom to the bathroom.
Bathroom safety: Use non-slip mats in the tub or shower. Install handrails for support.
Choose the right shoes: Wear sturdy, well-fitted shoes with non-slip soles. Avoid high heels.
Medication review: Ask your pharmacist to review all your medications. Some drugs can affect balance.
Remember, taking these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of
falls and keep you safe.
Seniors are at special risk for poisoning. In Virginia, many seniors end
up in the hospital or even die because they use medicines and household
products incorrectly. As we age, we often need more medicines, but our
bodies struggle to process drugs and chemicals. Reading labels becomes
harder, and mistakes are easier to make.
How to Prevent Poisoning
Always read the label before taking medicine or using household products.
Turn on the light and put on your glasses if needed.
Take medicines exactly as your doctor orders. Your pharmacist or healthcare
provider can help you organize your drugs effectively.
Only take medicine prescribed for you!
If possible, get all your prescriptions from the same pharmacy.
Ask your pharmacist before starting a new drug to avoid interactions.
Keep food and household products separate to prevent mix-ups.
Store household products in their original containers.
Never mix different household products; it could create poisonous gas.
Install carbon monoxide alarms.
Write down the Poison Center phone number (1-800-222-1222) and keep it
near every phone.
First Aid for Poisoning
If something toxic splashes in your eyes, rinse with water for 15 minutes.
For skin exposure, rinse with water for 15 minutes.
If you breathe in poison, get fresh air immediately.
Swallowed something non-food? Drink water or milk.
Call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Remember: In case of poisoning, call the experts right away! You can reach
them 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222. Stay safe
At Mary Washington Hospital, we care deeply about your safety and well-being—both
inside and outside our walls. That’s why we’ve created the
IMPACT Trauma Alliance Team (IMPACT stands for
Integrated Management for the Prevention and Care of Trauma), a dedicated group of healthcare professionals working together to prevent
injuries and support our community.
