Kettering Medical Center plans Level II trauma center

KETTERING — Kettering Medical Center is starting a new Level II trauma program, according to an online job posting seeking a medical director to lead the new program.

Kettering Medical Center’s plans will open a new front in its battle for market share with Premier Health Partners, whose Miami Valley Hospital is the region’s only Level I trauma center.

The region currently has no Level II adult trauma centers. Atrium Medical Center and Greene Memorial Hospital have Level III trauma centers, according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

According to the state, Level I trauma center is the highest level of trauma center and serves as a regional resource center. It has volume requirements, and must meet at least one of the following thresholds:

  • 1,200 patients admitted each year at any level of severity;
  • 240 critically injured patients treated each year;
  • each trauma surgeon treats at least 35 critically injured patients each year.

Level II trauma centers also have a full range of surgical and medical specialists with resources available 24 hours a day. While it provides comprehensive trauma care, it does not have volume requirements or a research obligation.

Level III trauma centers do not have the full availability of surgical and medical specialists, but do have resources for emergency resuscitation, surgery and intensive care of most trauma patients.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7457 or bsutherly@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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