Emergency Department

St. Rita's Re-verified as a Level II Trauma Center

"The re-verification as a Level II trauma center confirms that St. Rita's provides an organized and highly systematic approach to the care of the seriously injured patient," says Dr. Michael Sheehan, interim trauma medical director, St. Rita's. Trauma centers throughout the United States must meet strict standards for physician and staff training and quality of care.

One out of every four persons living in the U.S. will be seriously injured in their lifetime. "St. Rita's was verified as a Level II trauma center for the first time three years ago. It was a means of assuring the community they would receive the highest level of care available in the region," says Dr. Sheehan. "It is essential to our community to have high quality trauma care available at all times. Today's announcement just reaffirms St. Rita's commitment to ensuring trauma patients receive rapid, advanced and high quality care both in the air and on the ground," states Sheehan.

"In order to be verified, then to be re-verified as a Level II trauma center, there must be teamwork," explains Vickie Graymire, trauma program manager, St. Rita's Medical Center. "St. Rita's guarantees 24-hour coverage by general surgeons and other specialty physicians such as orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology and critical care," says Graymire. "Many areas of the Medical Center respond to a trauma call to assist the doctors and nurses including surgery, radiology technologist, respiratory, laboratory, and pastoral care, among others."

"It is also important to recognize the role of our area emergency responders as well," says Graymire. "When a trauma occurs, every second matters. They are the first on the scene and the healthcare professionals that determine the initial care of the patient, whether they are transported by air or ground, and are communicating with our emergency department. They are an integral part of the team," adds Graymire.

As a Level II trauma center, St. Rita's is dedicated to trauma prevention and to the continuing education of the trauma team members. The Medical Center was first granted verification as a Level II trauma center in 2001.