What is the ability of a Level 3 trauma center?

A Level 3 trauma center is designed to provide comprehensive trauma care while having specific capabilities to stabilize patients and prepare them for transfer if necessary. This means that they have the ability to stabilize critically injured patients and are equipped to manage trauma cases that do not require the resources of a higher-level trauma center.

Having a surgeon on call is a critical aspect of this capability, enabling the center to respond effectively to trauma emergencies and perform necessary stabilization procedures. They may not have every specialty available on-site or possess the resources to perform all complex surgeries, which distinguishes them from higher-level centers. Instead, Level 3 centers typically focus on initial evaluation, resuscitation, and stabilization before transferring patients who require more extensive surgical interventions or specialized care.