The American College of Surgeons has verified Fort Walton Beach (Fla.) Medical Center as a Level II trauma center, making the hospital one of seven such ACS-verified centers in the state.
The hospital will now enter the second phase of the approval process with the Florida Department of Health. This process should be completed by the end of April.
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"Studies have proven that patients suffering from severe traumatic injuries have a higher chance for survival and decreased rates of complications if they are treated in hospitals specializing in trauma care," said Patrick McGraw, MD, trauma surgeon and medical director of trauma services at FWBMC, according to an emailed press release.
As a Level II trauma center, FWBMC is adequately equipped and staffed to deliver comprehensive emergency care to individuals suffering from severe injuries sustained during traumatic events like vehicle crashes and gunshot wounds. The hospital will now provide trauma services to a patient population of more than 330,000 people.
"Our trauma center verification makes trauma victims safer by allowing them to be treated at our hospital instead of being transported to medical facilities further away," said Mitch Mongell, president and CEO of FWBMC, according to the release. "I have always been a firm believer that where you live should not determine if you live."
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