Kentucky had more than four thousand trauma cases last year and is one of fourteen states without an organized trauma system, but there are only three in the state and the Kentucky Hospital Association along with a group of local physicians are hoping to change that.

Dr. Andrew Bernard of UK Hospital says trauma is an enormous health care problem nationally and in the state. It is also the most common cause of death and disability among Kentuckians under the age of forty five.

Doctors say Kentucky isn't prepared to handle that growing problem because there aren't enough trauma facilities in the state. Plus, they say better training for EMS and protocols for transported trauma, are well needed.

They are hoping the Kentucky General assembly will finally pass a bill that would establish a trauma network and provide funding of 1.8 million dollars to help coordinate care across the state.