Elliot Hospital’s Trauma Team: Heroes in Action 

Did you know that Elliot Hospital is the only Level II Trauma Center in southern New Hampshire? Elliot Hospital’s dedicated trauma team is ready to help people any time, day or night, with serious injuries. This team was officially recognized as a Level II Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons in 2019. It is the only Level II Trauma Center in southern New Hampshire and was reverified in 2023. When this high-level trauma team is activated, you can rest assured the best experts will come to you. 

What is a trauma center?  

A trauma center is a hospital that is ready to help seriously injured people. They treat things like injuries from falls, car or motorcycle crashes, gunshot wounds, and assaults. These injuries can be minor or very severe, such as traumatic brain injuries and broken bones. Trauma centers have different levels based on how many people they can treat and the level of injury they can manage.  

Is a Level II trauma center better than trauma centers at other levels?  

It depends on what you need. Most serious conditions are treated at Level I centers. The least severe conditions are treated at Level IV centers. Level II means the Elliot Hospital trauma team can provide more services and can treat more serious injuries than a Level III or IV trauma center. The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma verification program carefully checks of all processes and reviews patient cases to assign a level. This review makes sure trauma centers are providing the best care possible to patients.  

How often is the trauma team needed? 

The trauma team at Elliot Hospital is in action every day. The emergency department gets over 55,000 visits each year, making it one of the busiest in the state. They handle thousands of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Each year, the team responds to around 150 of the most serious trauma cases and between 400-500 mid-level trauma cases.  

What services does the trauma team provide? 

When someone is seriously injured, a large team of experts very quickly comes together to help. Many departments in the hospital work together to offer every possible treatment. That means that patients have the providers they need from emergency medicine, trauma surgery, operating room, anesthesia, radiology, and intensive care. Other specialists, like neurosurgeons and orthopedic doctors, are immediately available if needed too.  

The core trauma team includes: 

• Trauma surgeon: A surgeon who specializes in repairing severe injuries 
• Trauma physician assistant: Highly trained to assist the surgeon 
• Emergency medicine physician: A doctor who is specially trained in emergency medicine 
• ER nurse and technician: Nurses and technicians trained to work in the ER 
• ICU nurse: A nurse who works in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) 
• Respiratory therapist: Helps patients with breathing problems 

If blood is needed, it is available within minutes. If the patient needs surgery right away, the team is ready to take the patient directly to the operating room. If the patient needs a CT scan and imaging, the trauma team (including the surgeon) goes with the patient, and the images are reviewed in real-time. Any service the patient needs is brought directly to them.  

Does the trauma team have special training? 

Every member of the trauma team has special training. Trauma surgeons and emergency doctors are board-certified in their fields. Trauma nurses are trained in the Trauma Nursing Core Curriculum (TNCC), and many are certified Trauma Certified Registered Nurses (TCRN). 

Why is the trauma team important to the Manchester area?  

Having a dedicated trauma team at Elliot Hospital is crucial for the community. Serious injuries can happen to anyone at any time. Dr. Rajan Gupta, director of trauma and acute care surgery at Elliot Hospital reminds us that “accidents are the leading cause of death in people under 45 years old. Having a trauma team ready saves lives. Since Elliot Hospital is the only Level II trauma center in southern New Hampshire, we provide top-notch care 24 hours a day and receive patients from across the region.”  

The southern New Hampshire area has a growing population and is a popular place for vacationers. These two things mean thousands of people work here and travel on our roads and highways. Manchester is at the center of all of this. As a verified Level II trauma center, they are always ready to provide high-quality care very quickly. 

How can I learn more or help the Elliot Hospital trauma team?  

Elliot Hospital’s trauma team also works to prevent injuries. They teach safety classes, first aid, and train EMS workers. You might see them at events in the community. If you want to support their work, you can donate to the Mary & John Elliot Charitable Foundation. 

Learn More About Elliot Hospital's Level 2 Trauma Center