Trauma

The Queen’s Medical Center is Hawai‘i’s first and only Level 1 Trauma Center, serving the entire State and Pacific Basin. We meet the highest national quality standard set by the American College of Surgeons and are designated as the lead trauma center for the State of Hawaii Trauma System by the Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention Branch. The Queen’s Trauma Program collaborates with community partners to deliver comprehensive collaborative services to all the people of Hawai‘i.

The Queen’s Medical Center has cared for Hawai‘i’s injured long before it was popular to be a Trauma center. As organized Trauma care grew nationally, QMC led the way locally. In 1997 under the leadership of Trauma Medical Director Dr. Peter Halford, Trauma Program Manager Ms. Kathy Welsh, and QHS President & CEO Arthur Ushijima, we were one of the first Level II Trauma centers verified by the American College of Surgeons. Their vision and commitment to patient care set the foundation for our Trauma program today. We continuously evaluate opportunities to improve our practices and delivery high-quality patient care; especially in the treatment of life-threatening injuries where truly, every second counts.

Trauma occurs without warning somewhere in Hawaii every single day. It affects all ages and races, locals and visitors, the rich and the poor alike. A consistent leading cause of death and disability among all age groups, its greatest impact is felt from age 18 to 44. Injury survivors may suffer long-term physical, emotional, economic consequences resulting in loss of productive years and a societal burden greater than cancer and heart disease combined. To support patients and their families from injury to rehabilitation, our team responds to the call of duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Queen’s Trauma team is committed to ensure this essential public health resource is available when you need it most.