The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the American College of Surgeons have designated UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital a Level I trauma center, making it one of only five hospitals in the state with the highest capabilities for trauma care.
Hospital trauma designations are determined according to established state and national criteria. Level I is the highest designation, recognizing a hospital's ability to treat the most severe and complex injuries.
Key elements required to be a Level I trauma center include around-the-clock coverage by trauma surgeons and prompt availability of specialists in orthopedics, neurosurgery, and anesthesiology, among other areas. Level I facilities must also conduct research, assist the community with trauma prevention and education, and meet volume requirements for treating severely injured patients.
The hospital received the official designation on Oct. 12, 2018. Among the five hospitals in the state that are Level I trauma centers, University of Colorado Hospital is the only one to have a burn center that is verified by the American Burn Association.
Dr. Robert McIntyre, Jr., head of Trauma and Acute Care Services, and Dr. Anne Wagner, Medical Director of the University of Colorado Burn Center, were on hand for an event recognizing the hospital's new status. Also attending the event were several former patients whose lives were saved by the UCHealth trauma team. You can watch the news videos below for their stories.
