The number of trauma cases in southwest Florida appears to be steady throughout the year… and NOT dependent on whether it’s season. That’s according to the trauma program manager for Lee Memorial Trauma Center in Fort Myers. Terry Papp attributes it to population growth.

“Our trauma rates have not changed in any given season. We’ve been seeing well over a hundred trauma alerts every month. And a trauma alert is somebody EMS recognizes out in the field that has life-threatening injuries… and needs to come to a trauma center for resuscitation.”

Papp says the majority of trauma cases are the result of automobile accidents. She also says the trend points to an ongoing need for blood donors. Trauma victims often need transfusions.
Lee Memorial runs a system of blood-mobiles and collection centers. But, when its own supplies run low, it’s forced to buy blood products from other sources.