Trauma Center

Whether it's a car crash or a sudden fall, traumatic injuries can happen in a split second. We deliver timely, specialized care to help more patients recover and return to their everyday lives as soon as possible.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) verifies Stormont Vail Health as a Level II trauma center, making us Topeka's only facility equipped and prepared to provide trauma care for many types of injuries.

Our Trauma Care team works hard to provide excellent care from the moment an injured patient arrives at our facility to the end of their hospital stay and after they go home.

How are the Emergency Department and Trauma Center Different?

Our Emergency Department provides care for a variety of conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, stomach pain, sprains, and strains.

Our Trauma Care team specializes in treating patients with immediate life-threatening or very serious injuries. Our Level II verification demonstrates our ability and commitment to go beyond initial treatment and ensure high-quality care for trauma patients from arrival to recovery.

Play Video

Conditions We Treat

Amputations, cuts, puncture wounds
Fractures
Facial trauma
Gunshot wounds
Injuries from serious falls or vehicle crashes
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries

What is a Level II Trauma Center?

The ACS classifies trauma centers into five levels (I, II, III, IV, and V) based on their available resources and the number of patients they treat each year. As a Level II trauma center, Stormont Vail consistently provides:

Immediate Care from Multiple Specialists

Our Level II Trauma Center provides around-the-clock care from a diverse team of specialists. This includes general surgeons and experts in various fields, such as orthopedic surgery, where we focus on injuries related to the pelvis, hands, feet, and ankles. Other specialties include neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, interventional radiology, cardiothoracic surgery, ophthalmology, ear, nose, and throat surgery, plastic surgery, urology, obstetrics/gynecologic surgery, and critical care.

Trauma Education and Prevention

Our Trauma Care team provides more than just emergency trauma services. We offer public resources and workshops tailored for various age groups to educate the community about trauma prevention and strategies for avoiding common causes of injuries. Additionally, we regularly conduct continuing education programs for prehospital and hospital professionals.

Educational Videos

Quality Care

During daily trauma rounds, our multidisciplinary care team assesses the condition of each patient admitted with serious injuries, ensuring coordinated and comprehensive care. Our Trauma Program team also reviews the records of more than 3,000 trauma patients annually. We track and analyze data to continuously enhance our processes, ensuring we deliver our patients the best possible care.

Hospital Accommodations for Patients

When patients need hospitalization, we place them in the best unit for their specific injury. From there, our medical team provides care and notifies loved ones of the patient's condition and location. Based on the patient's status, we may transfer them to different areas, including:

ICU and Critical Care Unit (CCU)

The ICU and CCU offer close monitoring and life support for patients in critical conditions. Our Trauma Care team also works with patients and their families to create a plan for a safe and fast return to everyday life.

What to Expect in the ICU

In the ICU, we connect patients to machines that help us monitor their health. These machines track vital signs, deliver medications, and assist patients with breathing. If you hear alarms, don't be alarmed; not all require immediate attention, and our healthcare team knows how to prioritize them.

The Trauma Care team reviews each patient's condition every morning to ensure they receive the best care. We encourage family members to participate in these meetings, which can provide valuable insights that help the team in their loved one's care.

Our team includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, and nurses who help patients regain their strength and movement. They may adjust the patient's position in bed, help them move every few hours, or engage them in exercises to enhance their flexibility and mobility.

The ICU can be quite active, with patients undergoing various tests. To protect everyone's privacy, the team may ask visitors to step outside briefly.

Step-Down Unit or Intermediate Care Unit (IMC)

When patients improve in the ICU, we might transfer them to a less intensive area called the step-down unit, or the IMC. Some patients go straight to the IMC if they don't need the specialized care the ICU provides.

Acute Care Units (ACU)

We move patients who are not as seriously injured to the ACU. We can also transfer patients who don't need the specialized care provided in the ICU or IMC to the ACU.

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

The PICU provides special care for babies, children, and teenagers up to 17 years old in serious health situations. The team consists of providers and specialists who work together to meet each patient's unique needs as they recover.

Learn More

Pediatric Unit and Young Adult Center (YAC)

Like the ACU, the Pediatric Unit offers care for children aged up to 17 with less severe injuries. Our dedicated Trauma Care team provides daily support for both children and their families. We also have a dedicated area called the YAC for older kids aged 13 to 17.

Resources for Trauma Survivors and their Caregivers

Dealing with a traumatic injury can be scary and confusing. Getting medical care, seeking resources, and navigating recovery can be overwhelming. Knowing that you’re not alone is essential. We're here to support you every step of the way. As a member hospital of the Trauma Survivors Network, we provide community for survivors and their families to connect and rebuild after a traumatic physical injury.