Archived News > OSU Medical Center Awarded "Level I" Trauma Ranking
September 2000
The Ohio State University Medical Center has been re-verified as a "Level I" trauma program by the American College of Surgeons. This ranking denotes the Medical Center as a regional resource trauma center capable of caring for the most critically ill and injured patients. This outstanding accomplishment could not have occurred without the dedication and hard work of Dr. Larry Martin, program director; Sally Betz, trauma coordinator, and many others who participated in the June 11-12 site visit by the American College of Surgeons.
The Level I verification follows a stringent review of the Medical Center's practices and policies to ensure an organized and systematic approach to caring for critically ill and injured patients. Essential elements include trained and capable personnel, adequate facilities and an ongoing self-assessment. The review, conducted by trauma surgeons associated with the American College of Surgeons, takes place every three years.
OSU Medical Center has held a Level I designation for nearly 10 years and was one of the first hospitals to receive the designation when the verification program started in the late 80's. Most level I trauma programs must have a follow-up focused six-month site visit after correcting deficiencies identified at the initial site visit. Based on the Medical Center's site visit, the American College of Surgeon's re-verification letter stated that the Medical Center's trauma program would not require a follow-up site visit.
The Medical Center's Emergency Department is one of the busiest in central Ohio with 50,735 patients receiving treatment in the department in 1999 more than 1,300 of which were trauma patients. University Medical Center is one of the principle partners of MedFlight, a medical air and ground transport program.
University Medical Center, Children's Hospital and Grant Medical Center are the only verified Level I trauma centers in central Ohio.
