Trauma Center

Berkshire Medical Center is the region's only Level II Trauma Center, providing critically ill or injured patients with immediate access to a team of highly-trained physicians and surgeons, the most advanced technology, and comprehensive protocols to ensure immediate and life-saving care. In September 2007, BMC was re-verified by the American College of Surgeons as a Level 2 Trauma Center. The Trauma Service at BMC is an active participant in community outreach and provides Advanced Trauma Life Support course for physicians as well as numerous programs for nursing and pre-hospital providers.

To achieve Level II verification, BMC met rigid requirements established by the American College of Surgeons, and must constantly demonstrate its ability to commit the resources and personnel to provide optimal care for seriously injured patients. The Trauma Team includes surgeons, Emergency Department physicians, anesthesiologists, radiologists, orthopedic surgeons, physicians from a broad range of medical specialties and residents.

The program investments include a dedicated Trauma Room in the Emergency Department that is equipped with such life-saving technology as a rapid blood infuser which provides a patient with one unit of blood in 45 seconds.

"Being verified as a Trauma Center makes us a better hospital on every front," said Robert Cella, MD, vice president of medical affairs. "Every medical specialty at BMC is trained and ready to treat the most severely injured patient. The focus is on team work - having the right people in place at almost a moment's notice, with access to the best facilities and equipment."