Mat-Su Regional Medical Center achieves Level III Trauma Center Designation—The only one in Alaska

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center has earned designation as a Level III Trauma Center following successful completion of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the State of Alaska’s approval process. The ACS verification process reviews the hospital’s ability to provide comprehensive and timely care for patients.

As a Level III Trauma Center in Alaska, Mat-Su Regional is equipped to provide 24-hour immediate coverage by emergency medicine physicians and the prompt availability of general surgeons and anesthesiologists. The hospital has demonstrated an ability to provide prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgery, intensive care and stabilization of injured patients and emergency operations. The facility has also developed resources for timely access to surgical specialists, advanced diagnostic imaging, and a dedicated trauma team trained to handle a wide range of critical injuries.

“As someone born and raised in Alaska, I understand the unique challenges our communities face when it comes to accessing emergency medical care, “ said Heather Zeznock, MD, Trauma Medical Director at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. “This achievement is the result of extensive training, collaboration, and a deep commitment to serving the people of our state. Being the only Level III Trauma Center in Alaska means we can provide critical, life-saving care right here at home, reducing the need for long-distance transfers and allowing patients to remain close to their families and support systems during their recovery.”

This achievement strengthens Mat-Su Regional’s ability to serve the local community by offering advanced trauma care. This means valuable travel time will be greatly decreased for trauma patients who can receive the critical care they need locally, ultimately saving countless lives in the community.

“We are incredibly proud to be recognized as the only Level III Trauma Center in the state,” said David Wallace, CEO of Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. “This designation reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, life-saving care to our community. It also strengthens Alaska’s trauma care network by ensuring that patients receive timely and expert treatment close to home.”

For the most critically injured patients, once they are stabilized, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center has agreements in place for transfer to a Level I or Level II trauma center that can provide further care. The hospital is also involved with prevention and has an active outreach program for its referring communities.

For more information about Mat-Su Regional Medical Center and its trauma care services, please visit www.matsuregional.com

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, a Level III Trauma Center, and Accredited Chest Pain Center with PCI (Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) is your community healthcare provider, offering a wide range of inpatient and outpatient care including diagnostic imaging, emergency, medical and surgical services. Mat-Su Regional Medical Center also offers a sleep lab, cardiac catheterization lab, advanced wound care, inpatient behavioral health services, two off-site urgent care facilities, robotic surgery and advanced total hip replacement procedures.