Level I Trauma Center

University of New Mexico Hospital is home to the state's only Level I Trauma Center, gaining its accreditation in 1983, the highest verification by the American College of Surgeons. Advanced technology helps us quickly diagnose, stabilize and treat 7,000 critically ill or injured patients each year

CS Level 1 trauma center represents gold standard for verification. Although a trauma center can exist without ACS verification, UNMH chose to pursue gold standard verification, making UNMH the only New Mexico designated Level 1 Trauma Center.

Elements of Level I Trauma Centers Include:

• 24-hour in-house coverage by general surgeons, and prompt availability of care in specialties, working as a referral resource for communities in nearby regions, provides leadership in prevention, public education to surrounding communities to name a few.
• Program for substance abuse screening and patient intervention. Meets minimum requirement for annual volume of severely injured patients.
• The nearest Level 1 trauma center is greater than 400 miles in any direction. Because of this, UNMH’s Trauma Center covers a large, rural, geographically distant population.

The comprehensive trauma team includes medical specialists such asemergency medicine, trauma surgery, anesthesia, orthopaedics, neurosurgery and radiology and social work, pharmacy, and respiratory therapists.

The trauma team receives continuing education to stay up to date on the latest trauma care procedures and practices. The UNM trauma center has dedicated operating rooms and a specially designed intensive care unit for complex cases. Call 911 if you witness or experience a medical emergency.

Continuum of Care

From arrival to discharge, the trauma team coordinates and provides the care you need. After treatment, we continue to care for you with coordinated physical therapy, occupational therapy and other rehabilitation services as needed.

After you leave the hospital, social workers and case managers can help you find the right resources, support and medical care.

Preventing Traumatic Injuries

ThinkFirst New Mexico teaches children and teens about preventing injuries. We cover staying safe in vehicles and avoiding injury during sports and recreation. We speak at New Mexico schools and youth organizations, such as the Boys & Girls Club.