DHMC Receives Verification as Level I Trauma Center

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) has been re-verified as an Adult Level I Trauma Center and verified as a Pediatric Level I Trauma Center. Level I is the highest designation given by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma (COT), which conducts the rigorous review process every three years.

It is a voluntary program that recognizes a trauma center's dedication to providing optimal care for injured patients. DHMC is one of only three medical centers in northern New England with the Adult Level I designation, and is the only health care facility in all of northern New England with the Pediatric Level I designation.

The trauma center at DHMC provides comprehensive multidisciplinary care for the complex trauma patient. In the letter confirming DHMC's re-verification as a Level I Trauma Center, (Adult and Pediatric) the ACS commended DHMC "for its demonstrated commitment to provide superior trauma care."

"It is tremendous honor to receive this recognition from the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, and is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our Trauma Department to maintain such consistently high standards," said Linda Von Reyn, Ph.D., R.N., who oversees DHMC's emergency services.

"DHMC is among the most rurally located Adult and Pediatric Level I Trauma Center in the United States," said Rajan Gupta, M.D., and Director of DHMC's Trauma Program. "Despite our rural location, our volumes continue to grow each year – we admitted more than 1,500 trauma cases in 2008. We also take our role as a regional trauma resource very seriously."

To meet the stringent Level I standard, a facility must be capable of providing leadership and total care for every aspect of injury, from prevention through rehabilitation. In addition to acute-care responsibilities, Level I Trauma Centers have the major responsibility of providing leadership in education, research and system planning. This responsibility extends to all hospitals caring for injured patients in the region. The DHMC Trauma Program coordinates the activities of physicians, nurses and emergency medical services, monitors outcomes for continual improvement in quality of care, maintains a database of trauma care at DHMC, and sponsors continuing education opportunities for trauma professionals.