BCH's 3rd Annual Trauma Symposium

In a full-day event held on April 17, the Boulder Community Health (BCH) Trauma Services Department presented lectures and discussions on a variety of topics related to trauma medicine, patient care and best practices. As the first Level II Trauma Center in Boulder County, BCH has sophisticated resources and highly trained medical staff readily available to treat seriously injured patients.

The 3rd Annual Trauma Symposium - made possible through generous support from the Boulder Community Health Foundation - featured inspirational and educational topics related to substance misuse, palliative care, health care leadership, social determinants of health and geriatric trauma.

This year's agenda featured a keynote address from BCH trauma patient Triny Willerton, CEO and founder of It Could Be Me, a local 5013c nonprofit organization born from her experience.

Triny shares her incredible journey to Kona, Hawaii for the Ironman World Championship 5 months after being hit by a truck while cycling.

After pregnancy and childbirth, Triny started a fitness and nutrition program that ignited a love for endurance sports, leading her to triathlons. After establishing a successful career placing in Ironman races, Tiny was training for Ironman Boulder in hopes of qualifying for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii when she was hit on May 8, 2018, by a distracted driver behind the wheel of a Ford F-150 while turning left at Nelson and 63^rd, near Hygiene, CO.

“I never lost consciousness as I flew to the ground and there was this terror not knowing if I was alive or dead, if I would be able to walk again, or if there was another car coming.” Triny recalls. “All I could think about were my kids… I thought I’m not going to get to see them grow up.”

When first responders arrived, she asked to be taken to Boulder Community Health where she received care for multiple fractures and a punctured lung. She was grateful for every milestone and made a goal to race the Ironman Kona the very same year in October only 5 months later. She raced as an ambassador for female athletes and has since started a 501c3 nonprofit "It Could Be Me" which has gained national notoriety and participation from international professional Ironman athletes.

“I was in the hospital for 6 days, but when I left, I felt that I was leaving my family behind. I wanted to find some way to thank them but there wasn’t anything in this world that could compensate for all the love I received,” Triny shares. “After an injury, every patient has the potential to become a change maker, and every person involved in a patient’s care plays a part in that change.”

Watch the recording of Triny’s Keynote Address:

National Trauma Survivors' Day on May 15

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized with traumatic injuries. family, friends and loved ones are also affected by the trauma of an injury. It can be a challenging journey, but the Trauma Survivors' Network (TSN) has offered assistance for over a decade. We believe that nothing heals people like the support of their peers. Learn more about the Trauma Survivor’s Network and how to get involved in your community.

Boulder Community Health: a Level II Trauma Center

Foothills Hospital provides 24-hour access to high-level emergency medical care from board-certified emergency medicine physicians and specially-trained nurses. We care for patients requiring treatment for everything from broken bones to strokes to life-and limb-threatening injuries. In the event you suffer a serious injury, our expert team of medical professionals are ready to deliver outstanding evaluation, treatment, compassion and care close to home.

As the first Level II Trauma Center in Boulder County, BCH has the sophisticated resources and expertise readily available to treat seriously injured patients.

• Level II Trauma Center, the highest level in Boulder County
• Nationally-certified Primary Stroke Center
• Most comprehensive treatment for heart conditions in Boulder County

We work closely with our local Emergency Medical Services partners -- paramedics and first responders -- to provide the high-quality, prompt care you need.