Mahaska Health Partnership Emergency Services Awarded Trauma Designation

Air Care Helicopter arrives at Mahaska Health Partnership (photo submitted)

MAHASKA COUNTY – The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has re-certified Mahaska Health Partnership Emergency Services as an Area Trauma Facility.

According to the IDPH, traumatic injury is the leading cause of death for persons in Iowa from 1 to 44 years of age. They estimate that 30,000 Iowans are seen for emergency evaluation annually.

“The goal of the trauma certification program is to match the patient’s needs to existing resources,” MHP Director or Emergency Services Andrea Hagist, RN, BSN, MSN said. “Our designation means access to more in-depth health services in an emergency situation.”

The IDPH defines an Area Trauma Facility as one that is located in a rural or urban area and has resources to provide initial stabilization for all trauma patients. The Trauma Center may also provide surgical and/or critical care for trauma patients when appropriate.

As part of the certification, MHP must meet certain criteria as outlined by the IDPH. Hagist explained, “To obtain this designation, MHP commits to being able to provide surgical services including surgeons, nurses and anesthetists within 30 minutes. We have to staff our Emergency Department 24/7 with a dedicated emergency physician.

“In addition, we have to have 24- hour coverage for respiratory therapy, laboratory and radiology services,” Hagist said. “MHP makes a commitment and employs staff accordingly in order to ensure we are providing the best possible emergency care for our community.”

The purpose of Iowa’s trauma system is to assure that people have access to an organized delivery system for trauma care and that critically injured patients are rapidly stabilized. “We are proud to provide this advanced level of care for our patients,” Hagist said.

For more information about how MHP Emergency Services is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.