Trauma Care
Trauma
If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.
Physical trauma is a tragic reality for many people, often resulting in life-threatening injuries. Carondelet Health Network has 2 emergency centers and 2 acute care facilities nestled into the Tucson community. We are equipped and stand ready to be here for you 24/7.
Emergency Distinctions at Carondelet Health
Carondelet St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s Hospitals have distinctions for handling emergencies:
St. Mary’s Hospital
- American Heart Association/American Stroke Association - Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
- Designated Cardiac Receiving Center by the Arizona Dept. of Health Services
St. Joseph’s Hospital
- American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Bronze
- Designated Cardiac Arrest Receiving Center by the Arizona Department of Health Services
- American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Certification for cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs
- Surgical Quality Partner from the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
Level I Trauma Center at St. Joseph’s Hospital
Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital at 350 N. Wilmot Rd. in Tucson is designated by the Arizona Department of Health Services as a Level I Trauma Center, the highest level of trauma care. The hospital first received this status in 2020 and earned reverification in 2022 for three more years. This designation recognizes the ability to provide advanced treatment for complex and life-threatening injuries.
To achieve and maintain this distinction, St. Joseph’s invested in new trauma suites and emergency department renovations. The hospital also added advanced equipment and ongoing training for staff. Patients have access to surgical specialties available at all hours. These include orthopedic trauma, neurosurgery, vascular and cardiovascular surgery, general surgery, facial surgery, hand surgery, ophthalmology and plastic surgery.
The trauma program goes beyond emergency treatment. St. Joseph’s works closely with EMS providers and first responders. The hospital also partners with other facilities in Southern Arizona. Monthly Trauma Grand Rounds and regular training programs support staff education and community outreach.
The trauma services are nationally recognized through the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Surgical Quality Partner distinction received in 2023. This recognition highlights a commitment to evidence-based practices and continuous improvement in patient care. Southern Arizona continues to grow and with it the need for advanced trauma services. St. Joseph’s Level I Trauma Center helps meet this need by providing lifesaving care when every second matters.
Advanced Level of Trauma Care in the Tucson Community
Through around-the-clock availability of a comprehensive team of medical specialists and support staff, we provide a variety of treatments, including:
- Complex orthopedic surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Vascular care
- Cardiovascular surgery
- General surgery
- Facial surgery
- Hand surgery
- Eye care
- Plastic surgery
The following trauma-capable services compliment the hospital’s healing environment and some of the latest technology ready to care for you when you need it the most:
- 2 dedicated, fully equipped emergency room trauma bays
- 3 operating suites
- 4 adjacent acute life support bays
- 8 beds dedicated to Trauma Intensive Care Unit
- 24/7 access to on-site respiratory therapy, radiology, clinical lab and blood bank
- 24/7 in-house anesthesia services
- Spiritual care support for patients, families and staff
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.
For non-life-threatening emergencies, check in online at Carondelet.org/ER.
Trauma Care FAQs
Yes. Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital is designated by the Arizona Department of Health Services as a Level I Trauma Center. This is the highest level of trauma care and means the hospital is prepared to treat serious and life-threatening injuries at any time.
Both Level I and Level II trauma centers provide a high level of care. They serve different roles. Level I trauma centers offer the most comprehensive care and support research, education and regional planning. Level II trauma centers also treat many serious injuries and provide strong trauma care.
Patients are taken to the facility that best matches their needs.
Level I trauma centers care for the most serious and life-threatening injuries. The term “Level I” does not describe how severe an injury is. It describes the hospital’s ability to treat a wide range of injuries, including the most complex cases.
Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center, designated by the Arizona Department of Health Services. This means patients have access to a full team of specialists and coordinated trauma care 24 hours a day.
A Level I trauma center can provide complete care for all types of injuries. This includes:
- Immediate access to surgeons and critical care teams
- Advanced equipment and dedicated trauma areas
- Ongoing training and quality improvement
- Support for the local trauma system and community education
Trauma center levels explain the type of care a hospital can provide:
- Level I: Provides complete care for all injuries, including the most serious cases
- Level II: Treats many serious injuries and provides a high level of trauma care
- Level III: Evaluates and stabilizes patients and transfers them if more care is needed
These levels help make sure patients get the right care as quickly as possible.