LifeCare Medical Center’s Emergency Department physicians and nurses are trained in multiple emergency protocols, equipping them to skillfully and efficiently handle unexpected and critical circumstances. They acquire a comprehensive base of knowledge as well as advanced procedural skills, including: procedural skills, trauma care, advanced cardiac support, advanced stroke support and advanced airway management, etc.

LifeCare Medical Center is a Level IV Trauma Center and an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital, designated by the Minnesota Department of Health.

What is a Level IV Trauma Center? Among other criteria, this means LifeCare Medical Center has:

• 24-hour immediate coverage by emergency medicine physicians and nurses
• Nurses have Trauma Nursing Core Course certification
• Providers also have Trauma certification(s)
• Trauma Surgeon on staff
• Prompt availability of general surgeons and anesthesiologists
• Demonstrates ability to provide prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgery, intensive care and stabilization of patients in emergency situations
• Current transfer agreements with Level 1 and level 2 trauma centers for patients requiring more comprehensive care
• Provides comprehensive quality assessments and strives service excellence
• Provides safe quality care for our rural community and assists other community hospitals when called upon
• Continuing education for our trauma team
• Connections and continuing education through WESTAC and the MN State Trauma Program
• Involvement in prevention efforts and outreach programs in the community.

What is an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital?

• This designation from the MN DOH means that LCMC has been certified in providing emergent stroke care.
• LCMC currently has 4 Advanced Stroke Life Support staff. (3 nurses and 1 paramedic)
  • First in the State of MN to achieve this
    LCMC has transfer agreements for patients requiring more comprehensive care at a primary or comprehensive stroke center.
• Tele stroke available 24/7- this allows ER providers to have video chat access with Stroke Neurologists and Neurologists at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo.