Level II Trauma Care | HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital

Trauma hospital in Fort Pierce

At HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, our comprehensive trauma care is convenient to the Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie Counties.

As a Level II Trauma Center, our highly trained surgeons are immediately available 24/7 to treat severe injuries.

With specialized training and experience, our trauma surgeons, physicians, nurses and emergency staff have saved hundreds of lives and accelerated patient recoveries at every stage of the treatment process. Because of this, you can trust our team to provide lifesaving care during critical times of need.

Related Specialties

Learn more about our related specialties

Emergency care

What conditions are treated in a trauma center?

Physicians at trauma centers treat a range of serious injuries, including:

Brain injuries
Major burns (those covering a significant portion of the body)

Traumatic injuries, such as serious car crash injuries
Other serious injuries, such as gunshot and stab wounds

What is a Level II Trauma Center?

The level of a trauma center depends on the resources available and conditions treated at that center. A Level II Trauma Center features:

24-hour immediate care
Access to general surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons and radiologists
Treatment through emergency medicine and critical care

What’s the difference between a trauma center and an emergency room (ER)?

Our emergency department focuses on emergency care for a wide range of conditions. Our trauma center, however, is equipped to provide specialized, comprehensive emergency medical services if you have experienced a traumatic injury.

Another key difference is that our trauma center has a trauma surgeon at your bedside within minutes of your arrival. This is an essential part of our ability to provide you with prompt, successful treatment.

Trauma injury prevention education

Our Trauma Injury Prevention Program team has developed relationships with school districts, churches and other community organizations to offer educational training via webinars to serve our families and the community. Among other topics, these webinars cover:

Gun safety
Home safety
Pool safety
Stop the Bleed

We also provide local senior facilities with educational and interactive webinars featuring fall prevention training and mental health activities.

What’s the difference between a trauma center and an emergency room (ER)?

Trauma injury prevention education

Fall prevention

At HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, our Trauma Services team is committed to helping you live safely and confidently. Falls are one of the most common causes of serious injury and the leading cause of death from injury among adults 65 and older in the United States. The good news? Many falls can be prevented with a few simple steps.

Reduce your risk of falling by following these tips:

1. Review your medications

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist regularly about all the medications you take — including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Some combinations may cause dizziness or balance problems.

If you take blood thinners, always seek medical attention right away if you fall.

2. Keep moving

Exercise helps you stay strong, flexible, and balanced. Ask your doctor which activities are right for you. Low-impact exercises like Tai Chi, yoga, or water aerobics can improve coordination and stability, helping to prevent falls.

3. Check your vision and hearing

Changes in vision or hearing can increase your risk of falling. Schedule annual screenings to stay ahead of any issues.

4. Use walking aids correctly

If you use a cane, walker, or other assistive device, make sure it’s properly fitted by a therapist — and use it as directed. The right support can make all the difference.

5. Drink responsibly

As we age, our bodies process alcohol differently, and alcohol can interact with medications. Drink cautiously and talk with your doctor about safe limits.

6. Make your home safer

Small changes can make your home much safer:

Use night lights in bathrooms and hallways.
Remove throw rugs and clear clutter from walkways.
Use bright, glare-free lighting throughout your home.
Install handrails on both sides of stairs and grab bars in bathrooms.
Keep commonly used items within easy reach.
Wear non-slip shoes — avoid thick soles and high heels.
Sit up slowly before getting out of bed to avoid dizziness.
Keep a phone or personal alarm nearby in case of emergency.

7. Know what to do if you fall

If you are hurt:

Use your personal alarm (like Lifeline) or call 911.
Let emergency responders know if you take blood thinners such as Coumadin, Plavix, Eliquis, or Xarelto.

If you are not hurt:

Roll onto your side and get onto your hands and knees.
Crawl to a sturdy piece of furniture.
Place your hands on it, put your stronger foot flat on the floor, and slowly push yourself up.
Sit and rest once you’re safely up.
Always tell someone you fell, even if you’re not injured— you may need to adjust medications or get extra support.

8. Know your limits

Asking for help keeps you independent longer. Let someone else climb the ladder or reach for that high shelf. Your safety comes first — and people are happy to help.