The trauma center at Blanchard Valley Hospital (BVH), Findlay, has been verified as a level III trauma center by the Committee on Trauma (COT) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

This verification program confirms that a trauma center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the highest quality trauma care for all injured patients.

There are four separate categories of verification. Each category has specific criteria that must be met by a facility seeking that level of verification.

Key elements of a Level III trauma center include:

• 24-hour immediate coverage by emergency medicine physiciansPrompt availability of general surgeons and anesthesiologists
• Dedication to improvement in trauma care through a comprehensive quality assessment programCommitment to continuing education for members of the trauma team
• Involvement with prevention and an active outreach program for referring communities

BVH underwent an on-site review by a team of experienced ACS trauma surgeons to receive this verification.

All BVH surgeons are certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support. In addition, all emergency department nurses and a large percentage of intensive care and surgery nurses have received additional training.