Hospital designated Level IV Trauma Center

BONNERS FERRY — Boundary Community Hospital has been designated as a Level IV Trauma Center by the State of Idaho. The designation for the Hospital is part of the Idaho Time Sensitive Emergency System (TSE) and is reserved for Hospitals that meet the stringent criteria established by the State as part of the statewide TSE system of care that includes three of the top five causes of death in Idaho: trauma, stroke, and heart attack. Emergency Department Director, Dr. Stu Willis with Gina Gallette, RN have been spearheading the effort at Boundary Community Hospital.

According to Emergency Department Director Stu Willis, MD, “As a rural community, we have an obligation to provide services that improve survivability. It is important for our Emergency Department staff to work together with local EMS at Boundary Ambulance and Life Flight Network in an organized process to be sure patients are treated or when required, transported to another Hospital for the appropriate level of care. In addition, prevention education is a key component of this, especially in regards to injuries and major trauma.”

As the first Pacific Northwest hospital to be awarded the Critical Access Hospital designation by the federal government, Boundary Community Hospital has always had an essential role in meeting the healthcare needs of Bonners Ferry and the surrounding county. In 2012, 49.1 percent of preventable deaths in Idahoans under age 75 were the result of trauma, stroke, or heart attack. The TSE initiative is putting processes in place so the RIGHT PATIENT gets the RIGHT CARE at the RIGHT TIME, helping to ensure an optimal outcome, especially when TIME is critical.

The hospital is investing in the community through the fully-staffed Emergency Department with physicians and nurses experienced in emergency medicine, and certified in advanced trauma, cardiac, and pediatric care. The Clinical Medical Laboratory and Diagnostic Imaging technologists are also available 24/7 so that tests can be performed when time is critical for patient treatment in a Time Sensitive Emergency.