Aspirus Wausau Hospital Re-Verified as Level II Trauma Center

Aspirus Wausau Hospital has been re-verified as a Level II Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

First verified as a Level II Trauma Center since 2008, Aspirus’ most recent re-verification came after a two-day on-site survey conducted by the ACS. This achievement recognizes the Aspirus Trauma Center's dedication to improving the standard of care for injured patients. 

“As a Level II Trauma Center, we have the clinical expertise and equipment to deal with the most severely injured and provide a level of care not often found in rural settings,” said Jennine Larson, MD, medical director for trauma services at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. “The wide-ranging capability of our trauma center allows Aspirus to help trauma patients in our local and regional communities and to serve as a regional resource.” 
In order to be re-verified as a Level II Trauma Center, Aspirus Wausau Hospital was required to demonstrate the availability of specialized equipment and sub-specialties to care for critically injured patients who may have multiple injuries. 

Trauma care goes beyond the emergency department. It involves a multi-disciplinary system of care from the time a patient arrives through recovery. The experienced trauma center staff provides the highly specialized expertise needed to care for seriously injured patients including surgeons specializing in trauma, neurosurgery, orthopedics and other surgical specialties.  A wide compliment of physicians including emergency medicine, critical care, and rehab support the care of the trauma patients.

Established by the ACS in 1987, the consultation/verification program for hospitals promotes the development of trauma centers in which participants provide not only the hospital resources necessary for trauma care, but also the entire spectrum of care to address the needs of all injured patients. This spectrum encompasses the pre-hospital phase through the rehabilitation process. 

Verified trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capability and institutional performance, as outlined by the American College of Surgeons' Committee on Trauma in its current Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient manual.