Emergency & Trauma Center If you are experiencing a life-threatening injury or illness, please call 911. Iowa Methodist Medical Center Adult Emergency Department 515-241-6213 Level II Trauma Center 515-241-4190 (office) Life Flight   515-243-4357 or 1-800-978-2862 Ambulance Services 515-241-4EMS Iowa Lutheran Hospital Emergency Department (Pediatric and Adult services) 515-263-5120 Methodist West Hospital Emergency Department 515-343-1200 Blank Children's Hospital Emergency Department 515-241-6611

Emergency & Trauma

In an effort to provide the highest level of care for critically injured patients in central Iowa a trauma program has been coordinated between multiple internal departments at IMMC/Blank, and city and county emergency services to ensure a rapid response for the delivery of care to injured patients.

IMMC received verification as a Level II Trauma Center from the American College of Surgeons. Blank Children's Hospital also received as a Level II Trauma Center.  Requirements for verification through the ACS are rigorous and demanding.

What is a Trauma Service?

A Trauma Service offers a full range of surgical procedures around the clock with entire teams of medical professionals on site to care for the most critically injured patients.  The trauma team is lead by a trauma surgeon specializing in trauma care and dedicated to caring for critically injured patients.  Seriously injured patients need immediate care delivered by a team of trained professionals in order to have the best chance of survival.

What is the difference between emergency rooms and trauma services?

A Trauma Service provides specialized care for the most severely injured patients.  The trauma team is available upon a moment's notice, 24 hours a day to care for people who have been critically injured.  The Trauma Service initiates care for the trauma patient in collaboration with the Emergency Department staff.  The trauma team remains with the patient to care for his or her injuries throughout their hospitalization.  The Trauma Service is a hospital-wide resource providing a full spectrum of care for the injured patient.  Since there are numerous patient care issues outside the scope of the Emergency Department, the Trauma Services is organized as a separate department.

Trauma Prevention and Education

We offer many avenues for education and outreach.  We visit schools and other community organizations, as well as offer presentations on topics ranging from hospital staff trauma education to the importance of wearing seat belts and not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  We also provide continuing education to emergency medical personnel and help hospitals and healthcare providers in other communities develop their trauma/emergency services.