LVH Hazleton Accredited Trauma Center - Not Much Of A Change

Effective November 1st, Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton will be granted level IV Trauma Center Accreditation status.

A trauma center is a hospital equipped and staffed to provide care for patients suffering from major traumatic injuries such as falls, motor vehicle collisions, or gunshot wounds.

This however is no feat or notable achievement on behalf of the Hazleton based hospital.

Pennsylvania recognizes four levels of trauma centers, with level 4 being the least degree of care for trauma patients. Simply stating that the hospital can provide life support prior to transfer of patients.

The following is a list of the trauma levels and their descriptions:

Level IV

A Level IV Trauma Center has demonstrated an ability to provide advanced trauma life support (ATLS) prior to transfer of patients to a higher level trauma center. It provides evaluation, stabilization, and diagnostic capabilities for injured patients.

Level III

A Level III Trauma Center has demonstrated an ability to provide prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgery, intensive care and stabilization of injured patients and emergency operations.

Level II

A Level II Trauma Center is able to initiate definitive care for all injured patients.

Level I

Level I Trauma Center is a comprehensive regional resource that is a tertiary care facility central to the trauma system. A Level I Trauma Center is capable of providing total care for every aspect of injury – from prevention through rehabilitation.

Although it is a step up from not being an accredited trauma center, it will not be much of a difference from the usual procedures involving trauma victims.