2nd Trauma

Each year, over 7 Million people receive the news of the sudden death or traumatic injury of a family member of loved one.

Trauma strikes quickly and without warning

Because trauma strikes quickly and without warning, families of trauma victims are in shock and overwhelmed when they hear this news. How this news is delivered and the degree to which immediate care and support are extended to the family is critical to how the trauma victim’s family members will cope with their lives thereafter. The ATS 2nd Trauma Program teaches trauma personnel how to communicate effectively and compassionately with families and loved ones of trauma victims, living or dead. Its lessons are used to prepare and guide the first interactions between trauma personnel and the families of trauma victims, as well as for ongoing communication during the ICU phase of recovery. Further, it provides the bridge between these initial contacts and the remaining elements of the Trauma Survivors Network.

Please watch the video clip on this page as Dr. David Hoyt, now Executive Director of the American College of Surgeons, describes the benefits of the 2nd Trauma Program.