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Billings Clinic to become Montana’s first Level 1 trauma center

Ambulance
iStock

Billings Clinic announced Thursday that it’s become the state’s first Level 1 trauma center.

The American College of Surgeons has verified that Billings Clinic meets all the requirements to be designated as a Level 1 trauma center.

The hospital said it has experienced a 55% increase in trauma patients since 2010. As a Level 1 trauma center, it will become the primary hospital that people with severe injuries are sent to in the region. Neighboring St. Vincent Hospital in Billings is also seeking Level 1 trauma status. Previously, the closest high level trauma centers were in Minneapolis, Denver, Salt Lake City and Seattle.

Billings Clinic’s foundation is working to raise $30 million to expand operating rooms, build a new facility to receive incoming patients and take on more medical students training to become trauma surgeons.

The hospital said it will also create a regional network between hospitals to more quickly transfer trauma patients to Billings from locations in Montana and Wyoming.

Aaron joined the MTPR team in 2019. He reports on all things in northwest Montana and statewide health care.

aaron@mtpr.org or call/text at 612-799-1269
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