#Trauma center levels explained full#

Level 2 centers should help Level 3 centers identify suspected or confirmed ELVO patients and facilitate rapid transfer as part of a “hub and spoke” model of care. Level 3 stroke centers are appropriate for a patient when a Level 1 or 2 stroke center is more than two hours away from the patient’s location. This facility must have the capability of providing leadership and total care for every. Ultimately, all patients who require the resources of the Level I center should have access to it. A Level 2 stroke center will occasionally receive transfers from a Level 3 stroke center if there is not a Level 1 stroke center within two hours of the patient’s location. Trauma center levels: Level I The Level I facility is a regional resource trauma center that is a tertiary care facility central to the trauma care system.

Optional: on-site neurosurgical servicesĪ Level 2 stroke center may transfer some cases to a Level 1 center.

May, but are not required to, offer a dedicated neuro-intensive care unit.

Must see a minimum of 100 patients per year.

Level 2 stroke centers are appropriate for patients when a Level 1 stroke center is more than two hours away from the patient’s location.īelow are the criteria for a Level 2 stroke center: If there is no Level 1 stroke center available within two hours of the patient’s location, patients can be taken to a Level 2 stroke center (detailed below). Studies show that receiving treatment at a Level 1 trauma center increases a seriously injured patients chances of survival by an estimated 20 to 25 percent.

Offers a dedicated neuro-intensive care unit A level I trauma center is a tertiary care facility that serves a central role in the trauma system and is a holistic regional resource.

Trauma Center designations include levels I IV and Level I and II Pediatric (pediatric specific facilities).

Must perform a minimum of 50 mechanical thrombectomies (clot removals) per year A trauma program medical director and a trauma nurse coordinator.

Must see a minimum of 250 patients per year.

#Trauma center levels explained full#

Offers the full spectrum of neuroendovascular therapy.Ideally, all stroke patients would be treated at a Level 1 stroke center, which offers a full spectrum of neuroendovascular care.īelow are the criteria for a Level 1 stroke center: These guidelines, however, are not intended to serve as a substitute for existing national and regional guidelines. They also provide recommendations for patient transport between hospitals. Level 1, 2, and 3 designations, which were developed by 13 international medical societies based on expert opinions and the most current evidence from stroke care around the world, describe the minimum organization and workload that a hospital should have to practice acute ischemic stroke interventions. Together, these Level 1, 2, and 3 centers form a complete stroke system of care.

Similar to how patients are treated in the trauma model, designating stroke centers as Level 1, 2, and 3 - depending on physician experience, training, and caseload - will help EMS match patient needs to patient care.