Conemaugh Nason Medical Center Earns Level IV Trauma Designation

Conemaugh Nason Medical Center is pleased to announce its recent accreditation as a Level IV Trauma Center by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation (PTSF) Board of Directors, effective November 1, 2024.

As a Level IV Trauma Center, Conemaugh Nason Medical Center is equipped to deliver immediate, life-saving care to injured patients, providing initial treatment and stabilization while facilitating transfers to higher-level trauma centers when necessary. This designation highlights Conemaugh Nason's commitment to reducing the risk of death and disability for trauma patients within the community.

"We are incredibly proud to achieve this Level IV trauma designation, which underscores our hospital's dedication to providing high-quality emergency care," said Conemaugh Nason Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Michelle Buttry. "This achievement strengthens our ability to offer immediate, life-saving treatment and reinforces our dedication to improving access to critical care. Our community can count on us to respond quickly and effectively in their moments of greatest need."

Level IV trauma centers, often located in smaller or rural communities, are continuously prepared to treat severe, life-threatening injuries. To earn this designation, Conemaugh Nason demonstrated its ability to provide Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) and ensure the timely evaluation, stabilization, and diagnostic support for injured patients around the clock.

Exceptional partnerships with emergency medical services (EMS) are essential for Level IV trauma centers. "Trauma care begins long before a patient enters our emergency department; it starts at the scene of the incident," said Dr. Jacob Stern, Trauma Medical Director. "This accreditation is a testament to our strengthened coordination with EMS and our internal collaboration across departments. It signifies an elevated standard of care that will benefit trauma patients and enhance care across all hospital areas."

In Pennsylvania, trauma centers are designated across four levels based on available resources. Level I Trauma Centers, such as Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown-the only Level I center between Pittsburgh and Hershey-provide the highest level of trauma care, with specialized services spanning prevention to rehabilitation, supported by research and residency programs. Level II centers deliver similar advanced care without requirements for research and certain specialties. Level III centers, primarily community hospitals, stabilize patients with severe injuries before transferring them if needed. As a Level IV center, Conemaugh Nason specializes in rapidly stabilizing and transferring critically injured patients while also managing minor injuries in-house.