Verified trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capability and the highest level of institutional performance, as outlined by the ACS COT in its current manual, Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient.

“The reverification of Deaconess Midtown as a Level II Trauma Center is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of our entire trauma team,” Deaconess Trauma Program Manager Dara Dilger said. “Providing the highest level of trauma care requires a commitment to continuous improvement, rigorous standards, and an unwavering focus on patient outcomes. This achievement reflects the strength of our program and our mission to serve our community with excellence in emergency and critical care.”

This reverification would not have been possible without the hard work, dedication and exceptional skill of the trauma program team. Their commitment to providing life-saving care and advancing trauma services is at the heart of this achievement.

There are three levels of ACS trauma center verification, each defined by specific standards that speak to the important roles of the center in serving its community. These standards clarify the care that must be available to the injured patient at the facility, along with other expectations related to research and educational contributions to advance the field and to ensure the availability of highly qualified trauma providers in the future.

The ACS Trauma Verification, Review and Consultation (VRC) Program helps hospitals to evaluate and improve their trauma care. It provides an objective, external review of a trauma center’s resources and performance. A team of trauma experts completes a site review of the hospital. The team assesses relevant components of the program including their regional role, the availability of physical and health human resources, policies, patient care protocols and the hospital’s quality improvement processes.

Patients cared for in ACS-verified trauma centers have a lower risk of death and improved quality of life compared with patients in non-verified centers.

Importantly, the ACS does not designate trauma centers. Instead, it verifies compliance with the standards listed in the manual, Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient. A facility earns the title of “designated trauma center” when it meets the requirements of government or other authorizing entities.