The Impact of Trauma Center Proximity on Gunshot Victims

The proximity to a level one trauma center plays a crucial role in the survival rates of gunshot victims. A study conducted in Chicago revealed that living more than five miles away from a level one trauma center increased the chances of dying from gunshot wounds by 35%. The study also found a significant racial disparity, with predominantly black communities residing in areas further from trauma centers, known as 'trauma deserts.' For 30 years, the south side of Chicago, where gunshot incidents are most common, lacked a level one trauma center, forcing ambulances to transport patients across the city. The financial challenges associated with treating gunshot victims, compounded by the higher proportion of uninsured or Medicaid-dependent patients in these communities, made it impractical for hospitals to open trauma centers in the areas most affected by gun violence.