Level I Adult & Pediatric Trauma Center

Verified by the American College of Surgeons as Minnesota’s first Level I Trauma Center in 1989, we are Minnesota’s largest emergency department and busiest trauma center. Care is provided for over 3,000 trauma patients each year.

What is a Level I Trauma Center?

As a Level I Trauma Center, Hennepin Healthcare must ensure that operating rooms, surgeons, imaging, labs, and all the services needed to care for seriously ill or injured patients are available 24/7.

  • Access to specialists is crucial. A team of physicians and other providers specially trained to care for trauma patients is available 24/7.
  • Experience is mandatory. To be verified, a center must treat a minimum number of trauma patients each year as determined by the American College of Surgeons.
  • Trauma patients are a priority. Operating rooms must always be ready with lab and radiology services to care for adults and the special needs of children.
  • Highly-trained teams are in place. Nursing staff are required to have advanced training in adult and pediatric trauma.

Unique Programs

Burn Center

A 17-bed intensive care unit that provides comprehensive burn, hypothermia, frostbite and complex wound care for adults and children. The Acute Burn Clinic provides unique, specialized care for outpatients.

Read about the Burn Center

Hyperbaric Medicine

The Hyperbaric Chamber is used 24 hours, 365 days per year to treat critically ill patients with gas gangrene, carbon monoxide poisoning, air embolism, decompression sickness, and complex wounds. 

Read about Hyperbaric Medicine

Stroke Center

The Stroke Center is a Joint Commission-certified primary stroke center and a national leader in the treatment of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes for rehabilitation and post-stroke care.

Read about the Stroke Center

Cardiovascular

A leading program of open heart, thoracic, aortic, vascular, aneurysm and general thoracic and pulmonary surgery.

Read about the Cardiovascular Program

Orthopedics

Our surgeons are leading experts in managing complex fractures in patients with multiple injuries. An on-site research lab with bioengineering and bone physiologists provides a unique resource for clinicians and patients.

Read about Orthopedic Research

Traumatic Brain Injury

We offer specialized care to pediatric and adult patients with severe traumatic brain injuries. Onsite acute rehabilitation is available as well as our Traumatic Brain Injury Outpatient Program.

Read about the Traumatic Brain Injury Program
Level I Pediatric Trauma Center
Trauma Prevention