What is a Level I Trauma Center?
A Level I trauma center is a tertiary care hospital that offers a comprehensive approach to the trauma patient from injury through rehabilitation. Key components include:
- 24-hour in-hospital access to general surgeons
- Availability of anesthesia, emergency medicine, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, radiology, plastic surgery, and maxillofacial surgery
- Referral center for community hospitals
- Public health education including the prevention of traumatic injuries
- Continuing education for all team members involved in trauma care
- Quality assessment and improvement programs
- Teaching and research in trauma management
- Polysubstance abuse identification and intervention
Sentara Level I Trauma Centers:
What is a Level III Trauma Center?
A Level III trauma center provides prompt assessment, management, surgery and stabilization for trauma patients. Key components include:
- 24-hour access to emergency medicine physicians
- Availability of general surgeons
- Quality assessment and improvement programs
- Agreements to transfer patients requiring a higher level of care
Sentara Level III Trauma Centers: