We're thrilled to share some incredible news that's sure to bring peace of mind and confidence to our patients and community: St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Billings has been verified as a Level I Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

This achievement is a testament to St. Vincent's unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality of emergency medical care to our community members, ensuring that they receive the best possible treatment in times of crisis. But what does it mean for you, the consumer? Let's dive into why this verification should be celebrated and what it means for you and your loved ones.

Enhanced Emergency Care

With Level I Trauma Center designation, St. Vincent Regional Hospital is equipped to handle the most severe and complex cases 24/7, 365 days a year. Whether it's a serious car accident, a fall, or another traumatic injury, you can rest assured knowing that our hospital has the expertise, resources, and technology to provide life-saving care when every second counts.

Comprehensive Services

As a Level I Trauma Center, St. Vincent offers a full spectrum of trauma care services, from initial stabilization and emergency surgery to intensive care and rehabilitation. This means that patients receive seamless, coordinated care from a multidisciplinary team of trauma specialists, ensuring the best possible outcomes for their recovery.

“We have worked diligently to meet the stringent criteria set forth by the ACS for Level I Trauma Centers. This verification reflects our ability to provide rapid, expert care to trauma patients, ensuring the best possible outcomes for those facing life-threatening injuries," said Dr. Barry McKenzie, St. Vincent Trauma Medical Director. "By providing this high-level of definitive care in Montana, fewer traumatically injured patients will need to be transferred out of state for care, allowing them to heal closer to home.”

Rapid Response

Time is of the essence in trauma care, and St. Vincent’s Level I Trauma Center is prepared to respond swiftly to any emergency situation. With specialized trauma teams and resources available on-site at all times, we can quickly assess and treat patients, minimizing the risk of complications and improving their chances of survival.

Commitment to Excellence

Achieving Level I Trauma Center verification is no easy feat – it requires meeting rigorous standards set forth by the ACS, including having highly skilled personnel, state-of-the-art facilities, and robust trauma protocols in place. By choosing a hospital with this verification, you can trust that you're receiving care from a facility that prioritizes excellence and patient safety above all else.

Peace of Mind

Knowing that St. Vincent Regional Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center should bring you and your loved ones peace of mind. Whether you're a resident of our community or just passing through, you can take comfort in knowing that world-class trauma care is right here in your backyard.

“Ensuring our patients who live in Montana and Wyoming — especially those in rural areas — have access to the most critical care they need when they need it most is core to our mission, and why we are committed to continuously elevating and expanding our lifesaving emergency and trauma services,” said Lee Boyles, president of St. Vincent Regional Hospital and Intermountain Health's Montana | Wyoming Market. “This Level I verification not only demonstrates our capacity to treat trauma patients close to home but also underscores our commitment to preventing traumatic injuries through community outreach and education programs.”

Qualifications of a Level I Trauma Center verification through the ACS include:

• Surgical residency program
• Caring for a minimum of 1,200 trauma patients each year
• 24/7 in-house coverage
• Specialists in neurosurgery, orthopedics, plastic surgery and other disciplines
• Well-trained nurses and physicians who have experience in trauma care
• Surgery and anesthesia at a moment's notice
• Trauma research
• Trauma training and injury prevention education
• Comprehensive care for critically injured patients, from prevention through rehabilitation

For more information about our Level I Trauma Center verification and trauma services, please visit svh.org/trauma