They offer 24-hour, in-house coverage by general surgeons, and prompt availability of care in specialties such as orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology, internal medicine, plastic surgery, oral and maxillofacial, pediatric, and critical care. These centers provide total care, from prevention through rehabilitation. The American Trauma Society verifies the common criteria for each level. Pennsylvania only recognizes Levels I through IV, for example. There are five different levels of trauma centers in the United States, but they can vary from state to state, and not every state recognizes all five levels. So, it’s important to understand what these facilities offer. Trauma centers offer more extensive care than emergency departments, and the difference between a trauma center and emergency room can be life and death. These are the types of injuries that are seen in a trauma center. Think of the most high-risk injuries: gunshot wounds, serious car crash injuries, and major burns. What Is a Trauma Center?Ī trauma center is an area of a hospital that’s equipped to treat people who are severely hurt. Here’s a guide to understanding trauma center levels and what each level provides. If you experience a physical trauma, you’ll receive treatment through a hospital’s emergency department - but not all emergency departments are created equal. In addition to providing emergency care, some hospitals also function as trauma centers, and they’re staffed by specially trained health professionals who treat life-threatening injuries.

Holy cross trauma center levels