Residents on busy San Jose roads may have close calls daily with reckless drivers and large semi-trucks. In the event of an unfortunate collision, victims may be left with devastating injuries and in need of immediate medical attention.
Some need the very best doctors and equipment to have a chance of survival. That care may come from Trauma Centers set up to handle the most life-threatening injuries. In San Jose, we are lucky to be close to several of the best hospitals and trauma centers around.
It’s important to know where these facilities are in case you or a loved one are ever seriously hurt.
Trauma Centers in the South Bay Area
Victims hurt on a busy route like I-880 may be rushed to an Emergency Room, like the one at Good Samaritan Hospital or O’Connor Hospital. But in some cases, victims with life-threatening injuries may need more specialized care at a Trauma Center.
San Jose is lucky enough to have two Level I trauma centers to serve the victims of bad car accidents and many other types of accidents.
San Jose is also home to a Level II facility that can provide advanced care for patients.
Here is a list of the Trauma Centers Around Santa Clara County:
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Level I Trauma Center
751 South Bascom Avenue
San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 885-6600
Stanford Medical Center Level I Trauma Center and Level I Pediatric Trauma Center
300 Pasteur Dr
Fl 1 Ste A13
Palo Alto, CA 94305
(650) 736-5800
Regional Medical Center of San Jose Level II Trauma Center
225 North Jackson Ave.
San Jose, CA 95116
(408) 259-5000
San Francisco General Hospital
In some cases, San Jose patients may need specific and even more expert care offered at San Francisco General Hospital. The hospital has a nationally ranked Level I Trauma Center that accepts thousands of critical patients a year, often flown in by helicopter.
The Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Level I Trauma Center
1001 Potrero Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94110
Building 25 | 1st floor
(628) 206-8000
What is a Trauma Center?
Trauma centers are usually part of a traditional ER that offer the fastest and most advanced care for the victims of devastating traumatic injuries. Staff and facilities are geared for immediate care of those with life-threatening injuries. The advanced care can include 24/7 access to specialized surgeons, cutting-edge equipment, and specially trained nurses.
Traumatic injuries are defined as injuries that occur suddenly, often the result of blunt force trauma. The Cleveland Clinic reports that a traumatic injury often involves blunt force trauma, such as in a traffic collision. It might also involve a penetrating injury, like a gunshot or stabbing. Traumatic injury victims might also have suffered burns.
Licensing and Level Certification
Trauma certification is usually assigned by a Local Emergency Medical Services Agency (LEMSA).
Some hospitals are designated Trauma Centers by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Locally, both Stanford Medical Center and The Trauma Center at Regional Medical Center are certified by the ACS.
Hospitals go through routine inspections and must maintain their Level designation. They can be graded between Level I and Level IV, with Level I being the highest possible designation.
A Level I facility and a Level II facility usually have similar staffing. However, Level I facilities usually are educational hospitals that teach new doctors. They often have partnerships with local universities. A Level I facility will also sponsor ongoing research.
There are also pediatric trauma centers, like the one at Stanford Medical Center, certified at Level I to Level IV facilities.
Contact a San Jose Car Accident Attorney
If you or a family member suffers a serious injury in an accident caused by a driver, schedule a free consultation with a San Jose Car Accident Lawyer. If you lose someone to a catastrophic injury, we at Maison Law can also act to protect your family and make sure they earn support at such a difficult time.
There’s no obligation, and your meeting is always confidential. But if you decide Maison Law can help you earn more in support, you won’t need any money to hire us. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement you are awarded.
