The News’ analysis found trauma care in the U.S. is starkly inequitable, in that where you live can determine whether you survive. Nationwide, there is unequal access to emergency medical services and trauma hospitals equipped to treat the most severe injuries. The problem is most severe in the more rural West and South.

Trauma deserts in rural America: Where you live can determine whether you live (msn.com)

Who would have thought? When you live dozens and dozens or even 100 miles from hospitals, fast access to a trauma center is not there. Wow.

I live in the inland western U.S. It is approximately 100 miles between Burns, Oregon and Bend, Oregon – the nearest Level 2 trauma center. I suspect this story originates from the Covid-era remote work phenomena – when many city dwellers moved to rural areas and were surprised to find they lack big-city services. Like duh.

23% of the 3,142 counties in the U.S. have less than 10,000 population.

The implication is that taxpayers should fund more services in very rural areas because they should have the same services as big city dwellers – presumably, not just trauma, but maternity and labor centers, access to Costco and Walmart stores, fiber Internet to the home, and all the big city amenities too – including museums and art galleries?

Next scary news story! – people living on sailing yachts crossing the oceans lack access to close trauma and maternity care.