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Level I Adult & Level I Pediatric Trauma Center
Why should I go to a Level I Trauma Center?
The short answer is, it’s the best place to go if you’re badly hurt. You’ll get the best care as quickly as possible, and that can make a big difference in your recovery.
Level I Trauma Centers are certified by the American College of Surgeons to have the highest level of care for critically injured patients. This includes having trauma surgeons and specialists on site 24/7. Regions Hospital was certified in 1993 as a Level I Trauma Center for adults and children. In 2009, Regions Hospital and our partner Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare became certified as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center.
You and your family simply couldn’t be in better hands.
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Care for adults
What to expect
If your injury means you have to stay in the hospital, a team of highly skilled physicians and nurses will check on you every day.
Physicians – begin seeing patients early in the morning. They will examine you and review your chart. All the physicians and trauma nurse clinicians meet every morning to talk about how their patients are doing. They may come to your bedside in a group to plan your care for the day. This is a great opportunity for you and others involved in your recovery to ask questions.
Trauma staff surgeon – as a Level I Trauma Center there is a trauma staff surgeon in the hospital at all times. This person will check in on you every day.
Other specialists – Trauma team physicians coordinate your care, and they may consult other specialists. These specialists may also stop by to see you.
Trauma nurse clinicians (TNC) – visit you every day. They’ll be happy to explain your care plan, answer questions, and help you make plans if you need care at home.
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Care for kids
A partnership between Regions Hospital and Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
What to expect
Working together, Regions and Gillette provide the best care possible for your child. Our buildings are connected, which is nice for you, and easy for us to coordinate care. A team of highly skilled physicians and nurses will check on your child every day.
Physicians – begin seeing children early in the morning. They will examine your child, review his/her chart, and plan care for the day. This is a good time for you to be there and ask any questions you have.
Trauma staff surgeon – will visit your child every day.
Other specialists – Trauma team physicians coordinate your child’s care and may consult with other specialists. These specialists may also visit your child.
Trauma nurse clinician (TNC) – visit your child every day. They’ll be happy to explain your child’s care plan, answer questions, and help you make plans for your child’s care after you go home.
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Your team
Our highly trained trauma team is onsite 24/7 to take care of you if you’re injured. A trauma surgeon leads this team. If you need specialized care, we can call on other departments in the hospital like orthopaedics, neurosurgery, hand surgery, and our burn center. Don’t worry, you’ll have all the help you need.
Emergency medicine staff physician – evaluates the patient’s condition and collaborates with the trauma surgeon on treatment in the Emergency Center.
Adult & pediatric trauma surgeon – a staff surgeon who oversees all aspects of patient care.
Trauma physician assistant – assists the trauma surgeons with patient care.
Trauma nurse clinician (TNC) – works closely with the physicians and helps patients understand their injuries and care plan. Organizes the patient’s care and can also:
- Arrange meetings with doctors to discuss care.
- Ask for help from social services, chaplains, patient representatives, and other hospital staff.
- Help with plans for discharge from the hospital.
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Trauma Center levels
There are four trauma center levels certified by the American College of Surgeons, a national trauma organization. This will help you understand the difference:
Level I Adult Trauma Center – Treats any injury, no matter how severe. All specialties and services are available immediately and operating rooms are standing by, ready for emergency surgery in minutes. Critical trauma patients get priority treatment. Regions Hospital has been a Level I Trauma Center since 1993.
Level I Pediatric Trauma Center – Treats any injury involving children, no matter how severe. Studies show children recover best after care at a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. Physicians who are board certified in pediatric surgery, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, critical care, physical medicine and rehabilitation are available 24/7. Regions Hospital is the only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center in eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
Level II Trauma Center – Treats many serious injuries. They must transfer patients to a Level I Trauma Center if they have very severe injuries or need a specialist.
Level III Trauma Center – Stabilizes injured patients. They may admit patients with minor injuries but must transfer more serious injuries to a Level I or II Center.
Level IV Trauma Center – Stabilizes patients and then transfers them to the closest higher-level trauma center.
Additional resources
Regions Hospital is happy to provide these links as a source of information. We are not, however, responsible for the content of these sites, nor does this listing constitute any endorsement. If you have medical or health concerns, please consult your healthcare professional for advice.
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