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Q
Why should I join ATS?
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A
ATS is the premier national trauma association that serves the entire spectrum of trauma providers and trauma interests, bringing together the entire trauma team. ATS provides unique information on trauma centers across the country and members network with peers for problem solving and general exchange of information regarding daily problems they confront. Members also have access to information on funding opportunities, trauma care, educational programs, and the trauma system as a whole. In addition, ATS provides a forum for members to express their opinions and recommendations on issues of concern at the local and national level.
ATS members receive…
- Subscription to TraumaGram, a bi-monthly newsletter on trauma centers and trauma system issues across the country. TraumaGram provides synopses of the current information on trauma from newspapers and publication across the country, as well as informative stories from our memebrs.
- Access to our to our Members Only secure website, which features information on grants, job opportunities, and an online discussion forum.
- Discounts on ATS educational programs such as the Trauma Program Manager Course, the Trauma Register Course, and 2nd Trauma, a program that enhances communication skills between providers and trauma victims and their families.
- Discounts on registration to the annual ATS National Trauma Conference or Educational Symposium.
- Participation in special councils, such as the Trauma Nurse Leadership Council, Social Workers Council, Trauma Registrar Council, and Physicians Council.
- Injury prevention programs, such as Traumaroo, a children’s educational program on safety.
- Participation in the Trauma Information Exchange Program. Member institutions gain background on trauma centers across the country and can access them for information and discussions on issues.
- Information on grants and other financial opportunities.
- Access to the Trauma Survivor Network, which extends support to trauma victims by bringing together trauma survivors and support resources.
- Opportunities to participate in legislative initiatives important to trauma care nationally and locally.
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Q
Who are ATS members?
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Trauma centers, trauma surgeons and physicians, trauma nurses and program managers, trauma registrars, trauma social workers, trauma survivors, trauma families, and universities and corporations interested trauma research and trauma care.
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Q
Can I receive CMEs and CEUs from ATS?
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CME and CEU credits are granted by attending certain ATS courses. In addition, online training opportunities that confer CEUs are being developed.
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Q
How can I become involved with ATS activities?
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ATS members are often asked to participate in congressional issues, either by making Capitol Hill visits, writing letters, or asking legislators to visit their facility. Members participate in injury prevention programs in their communities using ATS programs. This frees them from having to create their own programs so they can concentrate on implementation. Members also participate in the various ATS councils, committees, and ATS Website-based activities.
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Q
How does ATS provide me current information on trauma issues?
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ATS provides members with news alerts via e-mail and postings on the new ATS Website in addition to news updates in TraumaGram. ATS ensures its members are well informed in order to render the best care.
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Q
How does ATS help me with issues I face in my trauma center?
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Members can seek assistance through “Trauma Talk” on the ATS Website. Members can post issues of concern and seek input from other members. In addition, the ATS Website features “Ask the Expert” for advice on trauma-related issues.
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Q
How does ATS help me reach out to my community?
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ATS offers members award-winning prevention programs, services and resources such as injury prevention materials through our National Trauma Awareness Month activities every May. These materials, which focus on a different and timely injury prevention topic every year, are available as downloads from the ATS website.
In addition, ATS has developed the “Trauma Survivors Network,” a community of patients and families connecting with one another and rebuilding their lives after a serious injury. ATS provides trauma center members at the TSN level with the materials, training, and technical assistance they need to develop TSN Chapters in their own hospitals.
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Q
How does ATS help me provide better care?
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The Trauma Program Manager and Trauma Register courses are specially designed to educate and assist professionals in providing top-quality care to trauma victims. Additionally, 2nd Trauma trains the entire trauma team on communications skills when dealing with families of trauma victims as well as helping professionals with stress management.
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Q
My institution is a designated trauma center. As such, we are required to implement community outreach activities. Can ATS help with this?
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ATS assists members with its community outreach efforts through award-winning injury prevention programs designed for all ages and technical assistance. Further, as the organization that led legislative activity making May “National Trauma Awareness Month,” ATS provides specific prevention-focused materials and programs for NTAM annually.
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Q
Can ATS help me get involved in state and local trauma activities?
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Members who join the national ATS automatically become members of state ATS chapters, if one exists in the member’s state. Through state chapters, there are numerous opportunities for involvement in furthering awareness of trauma and trauma prevention efforts in communities, schools, hospitals and civic organizations. For members wishing to start a state chapter, the national ATS office provides assistance with resources and advisory services.