Emergency Medical Services

Trauma

Trauma Centers are designated under the rules of the Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities (BLHCF). Hospitals voluntarily seek trauma center designation in order to care for the most seriously injured patients with the goal of reducing patient mortality and morbidity. Over 21,000 patients are admitted to Tennessee trauma centers annually, with more than 13,000 admitted at the five level one centers located in Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga and Johnson City.

The Office of EMS is responsible for conducting the inspection process by contracting with qualified trauma surgeons and nurses and scheduling trauma center inspections that are conducted within a three year designation period as stipulated in BLHCF rules.