What Is a Level I Trauma Center and Why Does It Matter?

CRMH is the region’s only designated Level I Trauma Center for adult and pediatric patients, providing the most critical care possible during emergency situations.  

There are four levels of trauma centers, but the classification system is not a ranking of medical care. Instead, it represents the resources available to care for patients—from the most complex multi-system trauma patient to those with mild or moderate injuries.

Research shows that Level I Trauma Centers reduce the risk of death from injury by 25% in comparison to non-trauma centers because they provide a systematic, evidence-based plan to provide emergency care to people suffering from traumatic injuries.

Trauma centers include a vast team of providers, nurses and staff to make sure patients get the care they need. Level I and II Trauma Centers must have continuous availability and surgical expertise in many clinical areas, including:

• Orthopaedic surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Cardiothoracic surgery
• Vascular surgery
• Hand surgery
• Plastic surgery
• Obstetrics
• Gynecology surgery
• Ophthalmology
• Otolaryngology
• Urology

As a Level 1 Trauma Center, many of our allied health services also provide continuous availability as valued members of the trauma team:

• Respiratory therapy (24/7/365)
• Nutrition support
• Speech therapy
• Social workers (7 days per week)
• Occupational therapy (7 days per week)
• Physical therapy (7 days per week)

What also sets Level I Centers apart from Level II and III Centers is the number of patients cared for. A Level I Adult Trauma Center must care for at least 1,200 trauma patients per year. A Level I Pediatric Trauma Center must care for 200 or more injured patients under 15 years of age per year. In 2021, Carilion saw 2,873 adult patients and 328 pediatric patients with an average patient age of nine.

All trauma centers must provide public and professional trauma education. We joined the Trauma Survivors Network in December 2019. It provides a safe place for trauma patients and their loved ones to get the information they need to help rebuild their lives and connect with others who understand their unique situation.

To learn more about our Level I Trauma Center or the Trauma Survivors Network (TSN), please contact Ottilia Lewis, Trauma Outreach, at traumaoutreach@carilionclinic.org.