A new program at Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital is designed to expedite lifesaving care for patients suffering from some of the most catastrophic injuries in traumatic incidents.
The new Direct-to-Operating Room (Direct-to-OR) initiative allows caregivers to take patients with penetrating injuries such as stabbings, shootings, or impalements directly from the ambulance bay or helipad to the operating room. This bypasses traditional emergency department processes when every minute counts.
This approach is part of Lutheran’s ongoing commitment to clinical excellence and patient-centered care. By streamlining the pathway for trauma patients, the program aims to reduce the time it takes to get into surgery, minimize complications and blood loss, and improve overall outcomes.
“A penetrating trauma causes bleeding that is almost impossible to stop outside of an operating room,” said Jason Boitnott, Lutheran Hospital trauma performance improvement coordinator. “You need to go in and stop it.”
Previously, when emergency room caregivers heard from an EMS crew that they were bringing a patient with this type of injury, the hospital would issue an overhead page for full trauma activation. Designated specialists from multiple disciplines would then report to the emergency room and prepare to care for this patient. Still in the emergency room, the patient would be stabilized and quickly prepared for surgery.
“Now (people who are part of the trauma activation) go to the OR and that all takes place there,” Boitnott said.
The goal is to move the patient from the ambulance bay or helipad to the dedicated trauma operating room in less than 2 minutes.
Boitnott said the trauma surgeons who practice at Lutheran recommended the process change. By introducing Direct-to-OR, Boitnott said Lutheran is making advanced trauma care, including care for pediatric patients more accessible.
“By reducing the steps between arrival and surgery, we’re not only saving time—we’re saving lives,” said Christopher Zaw-Mon, MD, trauma surgeon at Lutheran Hospital. “This program exemplifies our mission to help people live the healthiest lives possible.”
The Direct-to-OR program is the result of extensive planning and collaboration among emergency medical services, surgical teams, and hospital leadership. Dress rehearsals and process improvement initiatives have ensured that caregivers are prepared to deliver seamless, high-quality care from the moment a patient arrives.
About Intermountain Health
Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system of 34 hospitals, approximately 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a nonprofit health plan called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For up-to-date information and announcements, please see the Intermountain Health newsroom at https://news.intermountainhealth.org/. For more information, see intermountainhealth.org/ or call 801-442-2000.
