Atlanta Medical Center Earns Distinctive
“Level 1 Trauma Center” Designation
Official recognition for providing the highest level of trauma care
After years of serving the Atlanta region with, effectively, the highest level of quality trauma care, Atlanta Medical Center (AMC) this week received official recognition for its comprehensive treatment capabilities: designation as a Level 1 trauma center.
The Georgia Department of Community Health, Division of Emergency Preparedness & Response, awarded the designation after certifying that AMC met the qualifying criteria for Level 1 status, including appropriate staffing and equipment, as well as volume of trauma patients treated annually.
The designation makes Atlanta Medical Center one of only five hospitals in Georgia’s top tier of trauma care centers.
“Atlanta Medical Center is pleased to have earned the Level 1 designation, particularly in light of our state’s ongoing efforts to upgrade and expand Georgia’s network of trauma care facilities,” said AMC President and CEO William T. Moore. “Critical care services are a valuable asset to any community. Being recognized for providing trauma care at the highest level is especially gratifying.” Because Atlanta Medical Center has effectively operated at a Level 1 service capacity for some time, as a trauma center the new designation will not materially change current operations, Moore said. “The designation does, however, officially recognize Atlanta Medical Center for the work our trauma team is doing, and it builds awareness of the advanced healthcare Atlanta Medical Center is providing to the community,” he said.
A Vital Community Resource
Trauma, the leading cause of death of Georgians 44 years of age and younger, is considered any life-threatening injury or shock to the body. Treatment at a Level 1 trauma center increases injured patients’ chances of survival by an estimated 20 to 25 percent.
AMC is the third-busiest trauma center in the state of Georgia. In 2010, over 50 hospitals across Georgia transferred their trauma patients to Atlanta Medical Center—many of them by air ambulance—because AMC provides a higher level of trauma care these patients needed. “Upgrading our designation from Level II to Level I is a natural reflection of our commitment to continue providing for the needs of our community and, in this case, for the extended region,” said Dr. Vernon Henderson, Medical Director, Trauma.
Trauma centers Level designations are based on their trauma care capabilities—from the highest, Level 1, to the lowest, Level 4, in Georgia. Hospitals designated Level 1 must provide, on a 24-hour basis, a certain level of personnel and equipment and coverage by a full complement of trauma specialties—including orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, internal medicine, vascular surgery and others. Additionally, Level 1 trauma centers must have a surgical residency program, must annually treat a certain volume of severely injured patients as well as meet requirements for research, prevention and continuing education/outreach programs.
Especially because of their capabilities to respond to disasters and mass casualty events, trauma centers are invaluable resources to communities. In recent years, Atlanta Medical Center has treated trauma victims from such high profile incidents as the Bluffton University baseball team bus accident on 1-75; the 1996 Centennial Olympic Park bombing; and the Haiti earthquake.
See a video about our recent designation.
303 Parkway Dr. NE
Atlanta, GA 30312
Tel: 404-265-6855
Fax: 404-265-3909
www.atlantamedcenter.com
Media Contact: Marcus Gordon 404.265.6855
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About Atlanta Medical Center
Atlanta Medical Center is a 460 bed full-service hospital and a leading provider of advanced medical care to the community and region. Atlanta Medical Center is the third-busiest trauma center in the state of Georgia and is widely recognized for its women’s services program and for outstanding performance in the treatment of stroke patients. The hospital’s weight-loss program is a designated Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. To learn more about Atlanta Medical Center, a facility accredited by The Joint Commission, visit www.atlantamedcenter.com.