ProMedica certified as Level IV trauma center
ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital received certification in September from the state as a Level IV Trauma Center.
The three-year process and approval allow the emergency department to provide advanced trauma life support before transferring patients to high-level trauma centers.
These centers must have 24-hour emergency services, including radiology, orthopedic services, and other medical specialists available on-site.
Former hospital president Alan Sattler said in a July presentation that the hospital needed a surgeon available 24 hours a day within 30 minutes of the hospital for trauma calls, an essential requirement for the Level IV standard.
“We are excited to have the team’s hard work and dedication come to fruition. This certification demonstrates our expertise and the ability to provide an additional level of care to our community and patients,” said Stephanie Lackey, director of trauma care services.
Lackey said, “The process of getting to this certification took many members of our team collaborating and a rigorous review process.”
ProMedica noted that trauma-activation screening standards help to ensure optimal care for the injured patient.
ProMedica said early identification of trauma patients reduces the risk of death from serious injuries. The emergency department screens every patient for trauma activation.
ProMedica Coldwater began the trauma certification process in February 2020 by committing to the program and implementing all requirements.
A committee comprised of a trauma medical director, program manager, and registrar oversees the services to ensure 24-hour emergency services are available.
The hospital certification is for one year. ProMedica Coldwater will undergo a re-certification evaluation in 2024.
Emergent Health Partners ambulance, LifeCare, vice president Steve Frisbie said ProMedica already followed many protocols.
Frisbie explained for stroke victims, LifeCare takes the patients into the emergency room and straight to the CT scanner for evaluation. “Right away, within the first several minutes of their arrival, they’re getting a CT.”
That answers the question, “Does this patient need to go to a stroke center? Or can this person stay here?” Frisbie explained.
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LifeCare medical responders in the field consult with the ProMedica ER medical control.
For the most severe stroke, heart issues, and trauma, “They don’t typically go to Coldwater. They either head for Kalamazoo, go to Jackson or Fort Wayne because those folks need to go to the cath lab right away.” Most are transported by helicopter.
There are 103 Trauma Centers in Michigan, Level I to IV.
The others within 50 miles of Coldwater are:
Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, Level I
Parkview Medical Center, Ft. Wayne, Level I
Ascension Borgess Hospital, Kalamazoo, Level II
Henry Ford Allegiance Health, Jackson, Level II
Oaklawn Hospital, Marshall, Level III
Bronson Battle Creek, Battle Creek, Level IV
Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Branch County ProMedica Coldwater certified trauma center
