In life-threatening situations, minutes can make the difference between life and death. That’s why trauma patients require a comprehensive array of care—delivered immediately. Most hospitals have an emergency room, but only a select few have earned the special designation to treat life-threatening traumatic injuries. Holston Valley’s Level I trauma center and Bristol Regional’s Level II trauma center combine the skill and experience of the best, most experienced trauma teams with the innovative resources of Wellmont Health System. The result is a remarkable combination of services to heal trauma patients—from emergency lifesaving care all the way through rehabilitation.
How is Trauma Center Status Awarded?
Trauma centers follow national guidelines to receive one of three levels of designation. To receive trauma center status, the center must have a trauma physician in the emergency room at all times and provide access to relevant medical specialties and subspecialties around the clock.
To be considered a Level I, the highest, most comprehensive level of service, subspecialty care must be available 24 hours a day. A Level II trauma center also has subspecialists and anesthesiologists on call day and night. Trauma Centers are designated for three-year periods by the American College of Surgeons.