Sanford Fargo Earns Re-Verification as Level I Adult and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center

Sanford Medical Center Fargo was recently re-verified as a Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons. Sanford Fargo is the only Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in North Dakota.

Sanford Fargo first achieved Level I Adult Trauma Center status in 2018. Being designated a Level I Trauma Center means Sanford Medical Center Fargo must be capable of providing system leadership and comprehensive trauma care for all injuries – from prevention through rehabilitation. A Level I Trauma Center provides the highest level of surgical care to trauma patients. It has a full range of specialists and equipment available 24 hours a day.

“We take a lot of pride in being the only Level I  Adult Trauma Center and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in North Dakota,” said Tiffany Lawrence, president and CEO of Sanford Fargo. “Unfortunately, emergencies are a consistent part of our day-to-day lives.  They can strike at any moment and at any time, but Sanford Health has made continued investments to provide the communities we serve with access to world-class health care. We are deeply grateful for the trust our patients place in us to serve as a critical resource—especially when every second counts. We also want to recognize and thank our dedicated staff, whose unwavering commitment and compassion make this possible every single day.”

Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1987, the Committee on Trauma’s Consultation/Verification Program for Hospitals promotes the development of trauma centers in which participants provide not only the hospital resources necessary for trauma care, but also the entire spectrum of care to address the needs of all injured patients.

A Level I Trauma Center is required to have a certain number of surgeons and operating room availability to accommodate small surges in surgical activity without compromising patient care 24/7. 

Sanford Fargo Children’s Hospital achieved Level II Pediatric Trauma Center verification in June 2014 by the American College of Surgeons and is the only Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in North Dakota. Since achieving a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center status, the volume of injured pediatric patients Sanford Children’s has served has increased by 215%, demonstrating the need for this resource in the entire region.

In order to qualify as a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, Sanford Fargo has 24-hour immediate trauma and critical care surgeon coverage, as well as coverage by orthopedic surgery, pediatric hospitalist coverage, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology, critical care and many more services. Sanford Children’s has 13 specially trained nurses on the pediatric trauma nurse team who consult to support patients, their families and the health care team.

In 2024, Sanford Medical Center Fargo provided trauma care to 2,739 patients, a 70% increase since first earning its Level I Trauma verification in 2018. Sanford Medical Center Fargo actively supports the state trauma systems in North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota.