Community Regional Medical Center announced it has been re-verified as a Level 1 trauma center by the Verification Review Committee from the American College of Surgeons’ (ACS) Committee on Trauma (COT).
 

Verified trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care and institutional performance. The program provides confirmation that a trauma center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the highest quality trauma care for all injured patients. The actual establishment and designation of trauma centers is the function of local, regional, or state healthcare systems agencies.
 

There are five separate categories of verification in the ACS-COT’s program. Each category has specific criteria that must be met by a facility seeking that level of verification. Each hospital has an on-site review by a team of experienced site reviewers who conduct the survey.
 

“This is the national ‘Gold Standard’ for a trauma center and a real center of excellence,” said Dr. Jim Davis, Community Regional’s chief of trauma and Steven N. Parks Endowed Chair of Surgery, UCSF. “It is not required, but represents a higher standard.”
 

Davis said the re-verification is a demanding and meticulous review of personnel, equipment and the quality of care delivered to our patients.
 

“The emergency medical services in Fresno and throughout the Central Valley depend on the superior care and commitment that Community Regional Medical Center’s Level I Trauma Center provides,” said Dan Lynch, Fresno County EMS director. “People survive accidents because of the trauma care provided by Community Regional. We are very fortunate to have a nationally recognized Level I Trauma Center with some of the best surgeons in the country.”

Lynn Bennink, trauma program director said the successful Level I trauma center re-verification site visit from the ACS is also a statement of Community Regional’s commitment to patient care.
 

“It represents a true center of excellence provided by the entire facility. To be a successful trauma center and provide excellent care, you need the entire facility to work together and care for the trauma patients,” she said. “This includes trauma surgeons, the emergency department, nursing across the continuum, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, radiology, and many physician specialties and sub-specialties.”
 

Bennink said re-verification by the ACS validates what everyone at Community Regional's Table Mountain Rancheria Trauma Center already knows and feels.
 

“We are committed to providing excellent trauma care to the citizens in our community and beyond – and are proud of the care we provide,” she said.
 

Mary Lisa Russell reported this story. She can be reached at MedWatchToday@CommunityMedical.org.