Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
According to the American Journal of Public Health, spinal cord injuries (SCI) are the second most common cause of paralysis the United States. With constant advancements in research, scientists are optimistic about spinal injury repair and recovery becoming more possible every year. In the meantime, with treatment and rehabilitation, many SCI patients are able to lead productive and independent lives.
Angel MedFlight regularly coordinates transports for patients with SCIs for acute care, rehabilitation, or home care following an accident, injury, or illness. Our flight team is highly experienced in the special needs of SCI patients during transport and is proficient in meeting their unique needs. Our entire team understands the dramatic life changes our patients and their families are going through and works diligently to make these flights as comfortable and uncomplicated as possible.
The air ambulance services provide complete care from beside-to-bedside to make the healthcare journey as smooth as possible. Our flight paramedics and nurses are highly skilled and experienced in the treatment of SCI. They have specialized experience providing oxygen delivery, invasive and noninvasive mechanical ventilation and medication to relieve anxiety and pain so patients can fly without breathing difficulties or increased discomfort.
What is a spinal cord injury?
The CDC defines a spinal cord injury (SCI) as an acute traumatic lesion of the neural elements in the spinal canal, resulting in temporary or permanent sensory deficit, motor deficit, or bowel/bladder dysfunction. A traumatic spinal cord injury can stem from a sudden, traumatic blow to the spine that fractures, dislocates, crushes, or compresses one or more vertebrae. Additional damage can occur over the days or weeks following the initial onset due to bleeding, swelling, inflammation, and fluid accumulation in and around the spinal cord.
SCI Resources
The American Trauma Society
Dedicated to the prevention of trauma and improvement of trauma care.
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Dedicating to advance quality of life and discovering cures for spinal cord injury.
Family Voices
Aims to achieve family-centered care for all children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities.
National Spinal Cord Injury Association
Leading the way in maximizing the quality of life and opportunities for people with Spinal Cord Injuries.
Help Hope Live
Supports community-based fundraising for people with unmet medical and related expenses due to cell and organ transplants or catastrophic injuries and illnesses.
Spinal Cord Injury Information Network
Works to maintain and improve a cost-effective, comprehensive service delivery system for people who incur a Spinal Cord Injury.
Best Hospital Rankings by Specialty - Rehabilitation
Each year, the U.S. News and World Report releases its rankings of the best hospitals in the country. The report helps patients figure out which hospitals or facilities are best suited to treat them.
Patients across the country want the best care possible to ensure the optimal clinical outcome. Centers of Excellence (COE) around the country continue to meet the need and push the envelope of care in spinal cord injuries.
The Best Hospitals For Those Recovering From Spinal Cord Injury
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
355 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 238-1000 - Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
1199 Pleasant Valley Way West Orange, NJ 07052
Phone: (973) 731-3600 - Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
300 1st Ave, Charlestown, MA 02129
Phone: (617) 952-5000 - TIRR Memorial Hermann
1333 Moursund St, Houston, TX 77030
Phone: (800) 447-3422 - University of Washington Medical Center
1959 N.E. Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195
Phone: (206) 598-3300
- Mayo Clinic
200 First St. SW Rochester, MN 55905
Phone: (507) 284-2511 - NYU Langone Hospitals
424 East 34th Street New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 263-7300 - Craig Hospital
3425 S Clarkson St, Englewood, CO 80113
Phone: (303) 789-8000 - Shepherd Center
2020 Peachtreet St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 352-2020 - MossRehab
60 Township Line Road, Elkins Park, PA, 19027
Phone: (215) 663-6000
Spinal Cord Injury Facts and Figures at a Glance
This datasheet is a quick reference on demographics and the use of services by people with Spinal Cord Injury in the United States (U.S.). Much of the information reflects recent data collected since 2015. Historical information reflects data collected since the early 1970s.*
Our Flight Coordinators Know That Every Moment Counts
When it comes to critical care patients, a moment can change everything.
No one understands that more than Angel MedFlight. That’s because every day our team works with case managers and families everywhere to help patients reach the life-changing treatment they need.
