Rangely District Hospital is a  Level IV Trauma Center.

In the 2022 triennial review, RDH was recognized as having a “Gold Standard” trauma program. Designation as a level IV trauma center, as defined by The American Trauma Society means the facility, “has demonstrated an ability to provide advanced trauma life support (ATLS) prior to transfer of patients to a higher-level trauma center.  It provides evaluation, stabilization, and diagnostic capabilities for injured patients.”

Elements of RDH as a Level IV Trauma Center Include: 

• Emergency Department Facilities that implement ATLS protocols and 24-hour laboratory coverage.
• Available trauma nurse(s) and physicians available upon patient arrival.
• Critical-Care Services.  
• Developed transfer agreements for patients requiring more comprehensive care at a Level I or Level II Trauma Center. 
• Comprehensive Quality Assessment Program.
• Prevention Efforts and Active Outreach Programs within Our Community

The RDH Trauma Program is integrated into care provided to all Emergency Department patients through the use of evidence-based care and treatment, community outreach and education, and involvement in various community programs to better outcomes for the public.

All of our providers working in the Emergency Department, to include our nurse practitioners and physician assistants, are certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). All of the Registered Nurses working in the Emergency Department are also certified in ACLS, PALS, and retain current Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) certifications as well!

In the Emergency Department, all patients that present to the hospital’s premises for a non-scheduled visit and are seeking emergency care, receive a medical screening exam by an Emergency Department physician that includes providing all necessary testing and on-call services within the capability of RDH to reach a diagnosis. Support services including but not limited to clinical laboratory studies, radiology services, and cardiopulmonary testing, when applicable, will be provided to the patient in a timely manner.

RDH Emergency Department treats approximately 100 Emergency Room patients per month, not including the Emergency Outpatient Services provided. The most common visits to the Emergency Department include:

• Traumatic Injury (ATV/UTV accidents, falls, motorized vehicle accidents, etc.)
• Medical Emergencies (Heart attacks, strokes, etc.)
• Medical management of acute medical conditions (Chronic obstructive airways disease exacerbation, congestive heart failure exacerbation, seizures, etc.)

Within these visit types, Rangely District Hospital has the capabilities and expertise to perform the following:

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• Burn Care (Minor)
• Cardioversion
• Casting
• Chest Tube Insertion
• CPR
• Defibrillation
• Dressing Application/Changes
• Eye Staining and Irrigation
• Ear Wax Removal
• Intraosseous Infusion
• Gastric Lavage
• Intravenous Therapy
•  Intubation
• Medication Administration
• Nasal Packing
• Oxygen Therapy
• Pacing, External
• Pelvic Examination
• Peritoneal Lavage
• Ring Removal
• Sexual Assault Examination
• Snake/Spider Antivenin
• Suturing
• Thrombolytic Therapy
• Urinary Catheterization
• Venipuncture
• Wound Care

For more information about these references please see the American Trauma Society. amtrauma.org. (n.d.). at https://www.amtrauma.org/.