Fletcher Allen Health Care has earned recertification as a Level 1 Trauma Center for’adult’patients by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).’ The designation is the highest accreditation given to trauma services, and is granted after a rigorous evaluation by the ACS.’ Fletcher Allen is the only Level 1 center in Vermont, and shares this status with just 102 of the 5,000 hospitals in the US.’
Studies show that being treated at a Level 1 Trauma Center increases a seriously injured patient’s chances of survival by an estimated 20 to 25 percent.’‘ ‘
Certified centers must provide:
Expert care for every aspect of injury from pre-hospital care through rehabilitation
Immediate access to a full range of specialists and equipment 24 hours a day
Treatment areas and operating rooms reserved for trauma cases ‘
Additionally, Level 1 centers have research programs, are leaders in trauma education and injury prevention, and are a referral resource for nearby regions.
"This certification is only possible because of the excellent coordination of care by our team of physicians, nurses, therapists, case managers, pharmacists and everyone else involved in patient care,’ said John Fortune, M.D., medical director of Trauma, Burn and Critical Care Surgery at Fletcher Allen.’ "We’re grateful that we’re able to provide the highest-level of’ life-saving care for patients in Vermont and northern New York at their time of greatest need."’
Fletcher Allen admits approximately’1,200 trauma patients per year.’ It has been designated a Level 1 Trauma Center since 1994.
Source: Fletcher Allen 1.2.2014