Rapides Regional Trauma Center will host its 11th annual Trauma Symposium May 9, 2025, at the Randolph Riverfront Center in downtown Alexandria. The event begins at 7:30am and runs through 2:30pm.
The Symposium is for first responders, physicians and hospital staff throughout Central Louisiana to help in aiding trauma victims. The first 60 minutes following a life- or limb-threatening injury is called the “Golden Hour.” If a patient receives treatment within those 60 minutes, their chances of survival increase.
The majority of Central Louisiana is classified as rural, making the treatment provided by first responders and transferring medical care facilities critical in good outcomes to traumatic injuries.
New for 2025 are breakout sessions tailored for Emergency Medical Service providers that include trauma assessment fundamentals, crush injury management, lessons from military medicine and mental health for all EMS providers.
“Trauma care begins at the scene,” said Shawn Moreau, MSN, TCRN-CEN, Rapides Regional’s Trauma Program director. “Quick and appropriate care in the field leads to a better chance for an improved outcome here at the trauma center. This is why we host our annual trauma symposium, as well and providing rural trauma development courses throughout Central Louisiana.”
Among the presenters at the Symposium are Rapides Regional Trauma Center Surgeons Jeremy Timmer, M.D., Matthew Linger, M.D., and Samantha Zeringue, M.D., as well as Dallas-based trauma surgeon Matthew Carrick, M.D. Topics include managing trauma patients with serious pre-existing medical conditions, boating accidents and case studies involving patients sharing their survival stories.
Registration is $50. Call (318) 769-4440 or visit Rapides Regional Medical Center's webpage , and look for “Calendar of Events” under “Health Education” to register or find more information.