Billings, Montana – Billings Clinic has marked a significant milestone in healthcare by becoming Montana’s first-ever Comprehensive Trauma Center. This prestigious designation, established by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Service’s Office of EMS and Trauma Systems in January 2024, places Billings Clinic at the forefront of trauma care in the region.
A Pioneering Step in Trauma Care
The designation of a Comprehensive Trauma Center is indicative of the highest level of trauma care available in Montana, aligning with the American College of Surgeons’ (ACS) Level I Trauma Center verification. Billings Clinic had already set a precedent in August 2023 by becoming the first and only hospital in both Montana and Wyoming to earn ACS verification as a Level I Trauma Center. This state designation further cements its position as a leader in providing advanced trauma care within a 500-mile radius encompassing all of Montana and Wyoming.
Commitment to High-Quality Care
Clint Seger, MD, the CEO of Billings Clinic, emphasized the importance of accessible high-quality care across the region. “Making sure that everyone has access to high quality, lifesaving care no matter where they’re at across our region is our top priority,” he stated. This reflects the clinic’s dedication to elevating care standards and the extensive efforts of the health system’s personnel.
To qualify as a Comprehensive Trauma Center, a facility must adhere to stringent criteria demonstrating its capability to handle complex trauma cases, promote trauma education, and enhance community resources. These requirements include providing comprehensive care for severely injured patients, conducting research, having residency program affiliations, and being a leader in education and system planning.
The Impact on Regional Health
The presence of high-level trauma services is crucial, especially in states like Montana with rural populations often located far from trauma centers. Trauma injuries are the leading cause of death up to the age of 44 in the U.S. and fourth overall for all ages. In Montana, lower trauma survival rates compared to other regions underscore the urgent need for readily accessible, advanced trauma care.
Michael Englehart, MD, FACS, Billings Clinic Trauma Medical Director, highlighted the clinic’s role as the state’s busiest Emergency Department and Trauma Center. “This designation reinforces the commitment of our entire organization to provide the complete spectrum of life saving care at a moment’s notice 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” he said.
Comprehensive Trauma Care and Community Benefits
The ACS verification recognizes Billings Clinic’s comprehensive trauma care capabilities, including system leadership, resource availability, and consistent, effective care. As a Level I Trauma Center, the clinic plays a vital role in trauma system development, regional disaster planning, and trauma care advancement through research.
The Comprehensive Trauma Center designation provides multiple benefits, such as leadership in prevention and public education, ongoing education for trauma team members, regional care coordination, a comprehensive quality assessment program, and fostering new innovations in trauma care through organized teaching and research efforts.
Billings Clinic stands alone in this regard, with no other Comprehensive Trauma Centers in Montana and no other ACS verified Level I Trauma Centers in neighboring states. The nearest Level I centers are located hundreds of miles away in Salt Lake City, Denver, and Seattle.
Billings Clinic’s commitment to providing the highest level of trauma care is a testament to its dedication to the health and wellbeing of the community. For more information about their trauma services or to support their Emergency, Trauma, and Complex Care campaign, visit their website.
