Trauma Care

Trauma Services

Designated as a regional trauma hospital by the South Dakota Department of Health, and verified as a Level II Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons, Monument Health Rapid City Hospital is the only facility of its kind in western South Dakota. A regional trauma center must meet several distinct requirements, including essential staff and equipment. Staff must be available in the emergency department, surgery, respiratory therapy, radiology, critical care, nursing, pastoral care and rehabilitation.

Advanced care includes:

-24-hour care with emergency medicine physicians and trauma-trained nursing staff

-Trauma care specialists, including:

-Trauma Surgeons

-Orthopedic Surgeons

-Brain and Spine Surgeons

-Hospitalists/Intensivists

-Interventional Radiologists

-Supporting services available 24/7: Anesthesiology, Lab, Pharmacy and Radiology

-A comprehensive, quality trauma program that helps patient from injury through rehabilitation, including services such as critical care, pastoral care, financial services and discharge planning/social work

-Coordination with EMS systems

-Community outreach that includes injury prevention education and legislative advocacy

• Stop the Bleed
• Don’t Thump Your Mellon

What is Trauma Center verification?

Trauma Center verification is an evaluation process done by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) to evaluate and improve trauma care. The ACS does not designate trauma centers; instead, it verifies the presence of the resources listed in Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient.