Trauma Resuscitation Unit

Extraordinary Circumstances Require Extraordinary Care

When you or your loved one is critically injured, the "Golden Hour" is anything but. This term refers to those precious few moments after a traumatic, life-threatening injury. During this time, emergency medical treatment is critical, and resuscitation is the key to preserving lives and families.

Designed to Save Time & Lives

The new Sky Tower at University Hospital houses our state-of-the-art Level I trauma center and Level I pediatric trauma center with a dedicated Trauma Resuscitation Unit. The unit is designed with unique accommodations for you and for your children. It is adjacent to its own ambulance entrance for fast access by vehicle, ambulance or by an air medical service.

Saving Lives

When you or a family member comes into our Trauma Resuscitation Unit, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), artificial respiration, defibrillation and other measures may be required to prolong your life. Our trauma-trained doctors and nurses are uniquely and specifically trained to respond to these emergencies. Their advanced skill and experience is a large part of our designation as South Texas’ Level I adult and Level I pediatric trauma centers.

Surgical Expertise

Trauma patients often require emergency surgery. Our trauma doctors and nurses coordinate your care – in house, in person and in real time – with many of the best surgeons in the region. This makes your transition into surgery smooth and efficient when seconds count.

Our surgeons bring expertise that covers every area of critical care surgery:  

• Anesthesiology
• Neurosurgery
• Ophthalmology
• Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthopedics
• Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery
• Radiology
• Trauma Surgery
• Vascular/Cardiovascular Surgery

Coordination of Care

While your loved one is in the operating room (OR), minutes may feel like hours. Fear and uncertainty only make the wait more difficult. Our team members are sensitive to your needs, and we are committed to sharing as much information as we can, as soon as we can.

We encourage family members to gather in the inpatient OR waiting room on the second floor. Our surgical nurses will update your family by phone in that waiting area during surgery. After surgery, a surgeon will meet with you to discuss the patient’s condition and answer your questions.