Obtaining trauma accreditation

[CoolhandHutch, MSN, RN]

I work at an urban ED that sees somewhere north of 60,000 people at year, mostly complex medical with the occasional walk-GSW (almost once a week it seems). We're a nationally accredited heart center and various other things but we have no official trauma status. I've been tasked with gathering the preliminary information to get this party started. There's a level one adult literally right down the street and there are other factors that I think we'd be a comfortable level III (adult only). We are a teaching facility but currently do not have an ED residency program- that's in the works as well and not "my baby".

So, who do I need to talk to first? I've worked level one before and have a pretty good idea of many of the "is and outs" of maintain status but have no idea how to get started.

Thanks in advanced for any information. I do appreciate it.

[RunningRNBSN]

http://www.facs.org/trauma/verificationhosp.html

Visit that site -- trauma centers are verified through the ACS (American College of Surgeons).

[CraigB-RN, MSN, RN]

Depending on were you are the Level III's may be state accredited. It's been a few years since I was a trauma coordinator, but I seem to remember that ACS only does Level I & II's

[RunningRNBSN]

According to the ACS website, they verify and accredit levels I, II, & III.

[chare]

the minnesota department of health manages its own statewide trauma system. more information is available at minnesota statewide trauma system - home.

i hope this information is helpful.