Glacial Ridge Hospital has once again earned recognition from the Minnesota Department of Health as a Level IV Trauma Hospital, reaffirming its strong commitment to expert emergency care in rural Minnesota. This re-designation follows a comprehensive review of the hospital’s clinical capabilities, equipment, and staff training to ensure readiness in caring for trauma patients.

As one of the first out-state hospitals in Minnesota to receive trauma designation in 2008, Glacial Ridge Hospital has played a vital role in improving trauma care across the region. Its ongoing participation in the state’s trauma system helps ensure patients have access to life-saving care, even when the highest-level trauma centers are an hour or more away.

“For our rural area, this means life-saving trauma care starts as soon as a patient arrives—regardless of how far they are from a major trauma center,” said Josh Chan, Emergency Department Manager at Glacial Ridge. “Being part of Minnesota’s trauma system helps ensure patients have access to the right level of care when every minute counts.”

Minnesota’s trauma system is a coordinated network of hospitals and ambulance services designed to connect seriously injured patients with the care they need. This is especially critical during the “golden hour,” the first 60 minutes after a severe injury, when fast, effective treatment significantly increases the chances of survival.

“Injury is the leading cause of premature death in Minnesota,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham. “The goal of the trauma system is to decrease injured patients’ time to care by making sure their medical needs are appropriately matched with hospital resources wherever they are in the state.”

Trauma remains a leading public health concern in Minnesota, claiming approximately 4,300 lives each year. States that have implemented trauma systems have seen a 15% to 20% increase in survival rates. Statewide participation in Minnesota’s voluntary trauma system fosters coordination among hospitals and EMS, ensuring that patients receive the right level of trauma care as quickly as possible.

Discover how Glacial Ridge Hospital’s emergency care leadership and team-based approach continue to advance trauma and emergency care in rural Minnesota.