Wilford Hall trauma center status verified Published July 31, 2008 By Sue Campbell 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- The trauma center at Wilford Hall Medical Center here has been verified as a Level One trauma center by the Committee on Trauma of the American College of Surgeons. This achievement recognizes the trauma center's dedication to providing state-of-the-art care for injured patients. Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1987, the Committee on Trauma's Verification/Consultation Program for Hospitals promotes the development of trauma centers in which participants provide not only the hospital resources necessary for trauma care, but also the entire spectrum of care to address the needs of all injured patients. This spectrum encompasses the pre-hospital phase through the rehabilitation process. Verified trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capability and institutional performance, as outlined by the American College of Surgeons' Committee on Trauma in its current Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient manual. An experienced team of trauma surgeons conducted an on-site review of Wilford Hall's trauma program June 5 and 6. The hospital's trauma center status is verified for a three-year period. Wilford Hall was initially designated a Level One trauma center in 1996. USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)