Every emergency department is not a trauma center. A trauma center is a designation which is provided by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) from a Level I to a Level III with a Level I center providing the most comprehensive trauma care available. Research demonstrates that individuals treated in a trauma center have a higher rate of recovery since the institution is better equipped to handle the seriousness of the injuries and secondary complications.
In order for a hospital to receive ACS designation as a trauma center, certain criteria need to be met.
Level I Trauma Center
Having adequately trained personnel on site 24 hours of the day is required of a Level I trauma center. This improves outcomes by reducing the amount of time it takes to begin life-saving procedures. Level I trauma centers also need to demonstrate they are actively treating the severely injured. A minimum number of trauma patients must be treated annually, which keeps everyone’s skills current.
Level I trauma centers have a number of surgical specialists available all the time, including neurosurgeons, orthopedists, plastic surgeons and general surgeons. They also have adequate radiologic facilities to quickly diagnose injuries, and critical care nursing resources to manage the injured. There needs to be an in-house education and surgical residency program, and the trauma center has to participate in research. This helps ensure that care is based on the most recent medical advancements.
Level II Trauma Center
A level II trauma center provides many of the same services as a level I center, however it is not required to treat the same volume of patients. A residency, education and research program are also not mandatory.
Level III Trauma Center
Fewer specialists and are available in a Level III trauma center. While it has the fundamental equipment and skills to emergently stabilize a patient, the goal is to quickly transfer that patient to a higher level of care either by ambulance or helicopter. Many Level III trauma centers are found in more rural areas.
How do I Find a Trauma Center?
The American College of Surgeons has a tool on their website to help you locate the nearest trauma center. It’s a good idea to identify and map out where you would want to be transferred after a serious accident.
https://www.facs.org/search/trauma-centers
Being an advocate for your own care is important. If you or a loved one has been admitted after a serious injury don’t be afraid to ask for treatment at a trauma center. You can also contact a trauma center directly in your area to ask for assistance. Since they are mandated to treat the highest number of seriously injured in the area, they will often assist with coordinating a transfer.
As a rehabilitation doctor and critical injury attorney Dr. Greg Vigna advocates for the highest quality of care in order to secure the best long term outcomes. After an accident, contact us to review your case, engage with your treatment team, and start the Life Care Planning process for serious injury.
