A terrible multi-car accident on I-44, or even a terrifying shooting or stabbing, could leave you or a loved one in desperate need of life-saving care. Tulsa has several trauma centers designed to offer patients immediate access to specialized surgeons and nurses, so they have the best chance at recovery.
After you or a loved one suffers a severe injury, you will likely be taken to one of two highly qualified trauma centers in Tulsa.
Where Are the Trauma Centers In Tulsa?
Tulsa’s highest level trauma center care can be found at two Level II trauma centers located in the city. Trauma centers are graded on a scale of certification from I to IV.
Ascension St. John Medical Center in central Tulsa features 24/7 staffing of highly trained surgeons and the most modern life-saving tools and equipment.
Saint Francis Hospital is located in southeast Tulsa and features Level II care. It houses a comprehensive stroke center and a separate pediatric emergency center.
Saint Francis Hospital’s Trauma Emergency Center (TEC) – Level 2 Trauma Center
6161 S Yale Ave
Tulsa, OK 74136
918-494-2200
Website: https://www.saintfrancis.com/services/emergency-and-trauma-care/trauma-emergency-center
Ascension St. John Medical Center – Level 2 Trauma Center
1923 South Utica Ave
Tulsa, OK 74104
918-744-3131
Website: https://healthcare.ascension.org/specialty-care/trauma-care
Oklahoma’s Only Level I Trauma Center
It’s also possible that patients with life-threatening injuries could be stabilized at a Tulsa hospital and then transferred to Oklahoma City to the state’s only Level I Trauma Center. OU Health University offers Level I trauma care and has patients arriving daily by helicopter.
OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center – Level I Trauma Center
700 NE 13th
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
405-271-4700
Website: https://www.ouhealth.com/health-services/trauma-care/
What Is a Trauma Center?
Trauma centers are designed to treat patients with traumatic injuries. Traumatic injuries often occur due to blunt force trauma (like in a car crash) or penetrating trauma (like in a shooting, stabbing, or an accident involving machinery).
Patients with traumatic injuries may have multiple severe fractures, burn wounds, head trauma, spine injuries, and injuries from a fall from a great height. Trauma centers have specialized doctors and surgeons who can be ready at a moment’s notice to treat victims with these and other devastating injuries.
Trauma centers are usually paired with emergency departments. They feature the most advanced medical devices available to assist in saving lives. They also have specialized nurses watching over patients.
In Oklahoma, trauma centers are categorized between Level I and Level IV facilities. The Oklahoma Hospital Association breaks down the designations this way:
Level I: These top-level trauma centers feature 24-hour-a-day service. The trauma team’s physicians and surgeons have rigorous response standards. Those services must include neurosurgical (brain surgery) capacity at all times. Extensive specialized emergency care for cardiac, thoracic, and orthopedic patients is also usually offered. Level I facilities are trauma care teaching and research facilities.
Level II: A level II facility generally offers the same services as a Level I trauma center, but won’t have training and research departments.
Level III: These facilities have 24-hour emergency departments with a physician on duty at all times. General surgery services on available from on-call surgeons. Level III departments should offer laboratory services, X-ray services, and access to recovery rooms and intensive care. These locations are usually called upon to treat non-surgical trauma.
Level IV: A 24-hour emergency department that has physicians on call. A trauma-trained physician’s assistant, a nurse practitioner, a registered nurse, or a paramedic will be on duty 24/7. These departments are usually used to stabilize patients so they can be transferred to a higher-level trauma center.
Level III & IV Trauma Centers in Tulsa
According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s most recent information, Hillcrest Medical Center and Hillcrest Hospital South in Tulsa rank as Level III Trauma Centers. The Oklahoma State University Medical Center is also a Level III Trauma facility.
Saint Francis Hospital South is also certified to deliver Level III trauma care. St. John Hospital locations in Broken Arrow and Owasso have Level IV trauma center designation.
Seeking Help After a Tulsa Accident
Getting the best medical care available will be the most critical part of any recovery from a traumatic injury. In the aftermath of trauma care, the victims of accidents and their families may wonder who can be held responsible for the cost of this life-saving care.
If an individual’s or a company’s mistake contributed to your harm, you must consider filing an accident claim. It’s your only chance to avoid having to pay for an accident that was caused by someone else’s carelessness. Contact Ylla | Gosney Attorneys At Law in Tulsa for a free case consultation to find out what your injury is worth and how to make sure you receive the support you need at such a difficult time.