STORY BY JOY PRUDEK

PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

St. Luke’s Wood River has once again been recognized by the Idaho Time Sensitive Emergency (TSE) Council as a Level IV Trauma Center, following a rigorous site survey that resulted in zero deficiencies—a rare and commendable achievement.

This redesignation marks the second for Wood River since its initial designation in 2019 and reflects the hospital’s continued excellence in trauma care. Level IV trauma centers play a vital role in rural communities, providing rapid assessment, stabilization and seamless transfer to higher-level centers when needed.

“This designation reflects the ongoing commitment of the St. Luke's Health System to provide quality trauma care at all levels,” said Brittany Mcfarland, BSN, RN, CEN, TCRN, SLWR TSE Trauma Program Manager.

“I am proud of the continued collaboration of our staff, physicians and EMS partners to provide the best possible care for our community. We appreciate the Idaho State TSE and contracted surveyors’ compliments and insights on how to improve our processes to better serve our population.”

Surveyors praised several standout elements of the trauma program at Wood River, including:

Strong Emergency Management Service (EMS) collaboration: Local EMS teams maintain a close relationship with the trauma program and provide outstanding care for injured patients.

Enhanced transport capabilities: The addition of local air medical services improves rapid transport and advanced care for trauma patients.

Exceptional nursing education: The hospital requires Trauma Care After Resuscitation (TCAR) training for all med/surg staff and boasts a high nursing certification rate.

Advanced surgical coverage: 24/7 orthopedic surgeon coverage and active participation of general surgeons—rare for Level IV centers.

Telehealth integration: Tele ICU is available for every bed in the med/surg unit, demonstrating advanced capabilities.

Disaster readiness: Innovative external triage protocols and well-drilled disaster preparedness plans.

“We are honored to be recognized once again as a designated trauma center by the State of Idaho,” said Dr. Malie Kopplin, St. Luke’s Wood River Emergency Department Physician and Trauma Medical Director. “Providing excellent trauma care is truly a team effort, and we have had unwavering support from the St. Luke's Health System trauma leaders, our local physicians and staff, and all of our EMS partners. Together we can achieve our goal of providing the best possible trauma care to our community and our visitors.”

St. Luke’s Wood River is one of six hospitals within the St. Luke’s Health System designated as trauma centers, ensuring timely, life-saving care across Idaho.