Wisconsin Trauma Care System
Hospital Trauma Classification Process
The hospital designation/classification as a
Trauma Care Facility in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin has 124 of 126 potential hospitals
participating in the trauma system, with 9% of them being ACS
verified Level I or II and the remaining 91% being a Level III
or IV trauma care facility designated by the state as a part of
their voluntary participation in the state trauma system. For
information on which hospitals are designated as what, view the Trauma
Care System Hospital Map.
Participation in Wisconsin's Trauma system is
voluntary in nature.
The state has focused efforts on strengthening
communications to maintain relationships and interest in the
system at the state level, and on increased visibility at the
regional level. At times, key constituents such as the EMS
Medical Directors, emergency room physicians and trauma surgeons find it
difficult to participate due to heavy workloads and competing
priorities.
Wisconsin's integrated system of trauma care requires the
identification of hospitals as trauma care facilities by using the Level
I, II, III, IV or "unclassified" structure. This
inclusive system recognizes that all hospitals in Wisconsin (and
neighboring states) have an important role in providing optimal
treatment to the injured patient. It is imperative that patients are
delivered in a timely manner to the closest appropriate hospital
matching resources to the needs of the severely injured patient.
The following defines each level for Trauma Care Facilities:
Level I:
|
Hospital
characterized by capability to provide leadership and total care
for every aspect of traumatic injury from prevention through
rehabilitation, including research. |
Level II:
|
Hospital
provides the initial definitive trauma care regardless of the
severity of injury, but differs from Level I in teaching and
research capability. |
Level III:
|
Hospital
provides assessment, resuscitation, stabilization, and emergency
surgery and arranges transfer to a level I or II facility for
definitive surgical and intensive care as necessary. |
Level IV:
|
Facility
provides stabilization and advanced trauma life support prior to
patient transfer to a Level I or II. |
Unclassified:
|
Hospital
that has chosen not to be part of the Trauma Care System or has
not been approved as a Level I, II, III or IV. |
Related Information:
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Last Revised:
April 23, 2013 |
