EIRMC’s Trauma Center Earns Prestigious Verification.

Hospital moves up a level; remains Idaho’s only Verified Trauma Center.

Idaho Falls, Idaho – Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, the only verified trauma center in Idaho, has been upgraded to a Level II Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

The elevation from a Level III status distinguishes that EIRMC has voluntarily met demanding ACS criteria that assure topnotch capability and performance.

Brian O’Byrne, M.D., EIRMC’s Trauma Center Medical Director, likes to compare the Trauma Team to a well-trained race car pit crew.  “Some things have to be done very quickly in trauma situations or it will harm outcomes,” he said.

Among the many requirements for moving up to Level II was formalizing EIRMC’s “bypass” policy (for when patient traffic is too high to absorb additional patients – a rarity), and documenting an 18-month track record of continuing medical education credits for EIRMC trauma surgeons in advanced subspecialty courses in trauma care. 

The hospital met these milestones and others since last being verified, in 2004, as a Level III Trauma Center. At that time, there were two other verified trauma centers in Idaho, but the designation was later removed from the others, leaving only EIRMC verified as continuing to meet the rigorous standards.

“Fast Facts” about trauma:

o        Trauma is a severe injury caused by physical force (such as a car crash or gunshot).

o        Trauma is the most common cause of death in people between the ages of 1 and 45.

o        Almost 100,000 people die from trauma each year in the U.S. (half from car crashes).

o        EIRMC is the region’s referral center, home to an Emergency Department serving over 40,000 patients each year.

o        Trauma verification is a rare distinction reserved only for hospitals demonstrating the highest level of service.  Of the nearly 5,000 hospitals in America, only 252 are verified trauma centers, and only 113 are verified at Level II.

Impact of Trauma Center verification:

 “Fifteen years ago if a person came to the ER, we assembled the medical team, but it took time. We had to individually call in all the various specialties required to provide the care, and all the while, the clock was ticking,” said Dr. O’Byrne.  “Now, we’re ready before the patient gets here. The person with traumatic injuries is met by a large team of fully prepared physicians, therapists, radiologists and so forth so that care can be provided much more efficiently.”

“It’s gratifying to see it all come together,” Dr. O’Byrne said. “Seeing other doctors become committed to trauma care and seeing the communication between the ER, OR, and other departments has been rewarding, because it’s essential to providing optimal care for injured patients.”

Because Level I centers are usually affiliated with universities requiring research and residents, the hospital is not likely to become that.

“We’re at the top of our game right now,” Dr. O’Byrne pointed out.  “Being a part of this tremendous growth in our program has been very rewarding.”

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