People needing emergency medical care after being seriously injured or suddenly stricken by a life-threatening medical condition now have a Level II trauma center to provide the care they need close to home. Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center, which serves a nine-county region in Southern Oregon and Northern California, has been named a Level II Trauma Center — the state’s second highest level of trauma care by the state of Oregon.
Previously, many critically injured or ill patients had to be driven by ambulance or flown by helicopter to Eugene or Portland for Level II trauma care. “This new designation will have a major impact on our patients,” said Dr. Mark Eaton, trauma medical director at Asante Rogue Regional. “With trauma, every second counts when people need to be seen by a doctor to help them survive. Having Level II status in Medford means fewer time-consuming transfers for the patient.”
Asante Rogue Regional has been functioning near a Level II status for many years, even though their designation through the Oregon Health Authority was Level III. “We’ve spent the past few years operating at a Level II status in most aspects to demonstrate to the state that we could — and that effort has paid off for our patients. They get the expert trauma care they need close to home and family,” Dr. Eaton said.
Attaining Level II trauma verification has taken a lot of planning, preparation and collaboration with medical providers and EMS first responders. "Our medical community recognized the need for a higher level of trauma services to better serve our fast-growing communities," said Jackie De Silva, Asante’s trauma program coordinator. "We knew that residents here would benefit from an advanced level of care, so Asante began pursuing state-approved Level II verification."
To attain higher verification, Asante Rogue Regional had to undergo an extensive review process and have a number of health care professionals trained and experienced in trauma care. “We’re required to have 24-hour availability of a medical team consisting of specially-trained health care providers who have expertise in the care of severely injured patients,” De Silva added.
Trauma specialists include general surgeons with trauma and vascular training, orthopedics (including the region’s only orthopedic traumatologist), neurosurgery and cardiothoracic surgery. Additionally, Asante Rogue Regional offers the region’s only pediatric and pregnancy trauma-related care.
Another requirement is to have an anesthesiologist, surgery team and trauma-trained nurses on-site all day, every day. "With medical specialists at the ready 24–7, residents can be assured that we’re equipped to treat complex cases," Dr. Eaton added.
Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center completed its trauma survey by the Oregon Health Authority in November 2017 and received its official notification from the state in February 2018.
What is trauma?
Trauma is a serious injury or shock to the body caused by a physical force.
Examples of traumatic events include:
- Fall
- Motor vehicle collision
- Gunshot wound
- Stabbing
- Burn
- Drowning
- Sports injury
- Physical assault
Resulting injuries often include trauma to the:
- Face
- Chest, abdomen and pelvis
- Spine and neck
- Arm, leg and hand
- Brain and head
Oregon Level II trauma centers
Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center, Medford
Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Corvallis
Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend, Springfield
Salem Hospital, Salem
St. Charles Medical Center, Bend
Oregon Level I trauma centers
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Portland
Oregon Health & Science University Hospital, Portland
