Part of the verification process includes requiring all members of the trauma team to be knowledgeable about current practices in neurotrauma care and the best evidence for the care of the neurotrauma patient, including head, spine/spinal cord, and peripheral nerve injury. This is a voluntary process by the Trauma Center and lasts for a 3-year period. The ACS does not designate trauma centers but verifies the presence of the resources listed in Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient. Trauma Center Verification is an evaluation process done by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) to evaluate and improve trauma care. Pediatric trauma surgery is its own speciality and adult trauma surgeons are not generally specialized in providing surgical trauma care to children, and vice versa.

For example, a Level 1 adult trauma center may also be a Level II pediatric trauma center. If a hospital provides trauma care for both adult and pediatric patients, the Level designation may not be the same for each group. These categories may vary from state to state.Ī facility can be designated an adult trauma center, a pediatric trauma center, or an adult & pediatric trauma center. The state or local municipality identifies unique criteria in which to categorize Trauma Centers. Trauma Center designation is a process outlined and developed at a state or local level. Being at a Level 1 trauma center provides the highest level of surgical care for trauma patients. Level I, II, III, IV or V) refer to the kinds of resources available within a trauma center and the number of patients admitted yearly. Trauma centers across the United States are identified by a designation process and a verification process.

Trauma center levels