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Proclamation recognizing and commending the Shock Trama Center at Allegheny General Hospital upon celebrating 25 years as one of the most advanced trauma programs in the country.
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WHEREAS, Allegheny General is recognized as one of the nation's leading hospitals, with particular excellence in cancer care, cardiac care, orthopedics, neurosciences and trauma. The Shock Trauma Center at Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) has built a reputation over the years as one of the most advanced trauma programs in the country; and
WHEREAS, established in 1979, the trauma program at AGH has achieved many milestones in its history. As one of the first accredited trauma programs established in the region it has maintained its designation from the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation as a Level 1 Regional Resource Trauma Center; and
WHEREAS, one of only 14 Level 1 trauma centers statewide, AGH's Shock Trauma Center offers patients both state-of-the art facilities and a highly skilled staff. Opened in 1995, the current Trauma Intensive Care Unit is strategically situated in immediate proximity to both the hospital's emergency department and operating rooms; and
WHEREAS, the unit further improves point-of-service care for critically ill patients with a blood gas diagnostic lab, x-ray capabilities, respiratory therapy, blood storage and a procedural room with direct access to and from the emergency department and hospital operating rooms. Additionally the center's design prioritizes the accommodation and comfort of families, complete with waiting rooms and private family consultation rooms; and
WHEREAS, a cornerstone of AGH's trauma program is LifeFlight. As the first air-medical transport program in the northeastern United States, LifeFlight has grown significantly over the past two decades, expanding to its current five-helicopter fleet with regional bases in Allegheny, Indiana, Butler, and Westmoreland counties. The program has flown more than 50,000 missions over the past 25 years. LifeFlight currently has a staff of 48 nurses and 21 pilots, as well as mechanics, administrators, physicians, administrative support staff and communications specialists; and
WHEREAS, injury prevention has also been a key component to the success of the AGH Shock Trauma Center. Together with the hospital's Department of Neurosurgery, the center pioneered the innovative injury prevention program known as Think First in 1989. Think First is designed to prevent brain and spinal cord injuries through the education of individuals, community leaders and the creators of public policy;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Allegheny County Council hereby congratulations the Shock Trauma Center at Allegheny General Hospital upon celebrating its 25th anniversary and commends them on their reputation as one of the most advanced trauma programs in the country.