When every second counts, you want to know help is available, close, and capable. That’s why it matters that Castro County Healthcare’s ER at Plains Memorial Hospital is a Level IV Trauma Center, officially designated by the State of Texas.
But what does it really mean for you and your loved ones when an emergency arises?
Here’s what you should know.
We’re Trained and Ready 24/7
As a designated Level IV Trauma Center, the Castro County Healthcare ER is fully staffed and equipped around the clock to handle serious injuries from incidents like car crashes, falls, or industrial or household accidents as well as to stabilize patients experiencing heart attacks, strokes, or other serious conditions.
Our team is trained in trauma-specific care and meets strict education requirements in lifesaving protocols like ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) and TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course). When you walk through our doors, you’re getting immediate care from a team that knows what to do, fast.
We Know When and Where to Transfer
Some trauma situations require specialized care at larger hospitals. As a Level IV facility, we have the capabilities to stabilize critically ill or injured patients and appropriately ready them for transfer to Level I or II trauma centers.
That means:
- We stabilize you here, quickly and effectively.
- We coordinate your transfer while staying in touch with higher-level trauma centers.
- We communicate directly with EMS and other hospitals to keep your care moving.
We’re Accountable, Transparent, and Always Improving
Level IV designation is a commitment. We follow strict state guidelines and participate in regional performance improvement (PI) programs to review every major trauma case and improve how we respond.
Every time we treat a trauma patient, we ask: Did we do everything right? Could we do even better? That approach means continuous improvement.
We’re Built for Castro County
Level IV trauma facilities like us are designed to serve our community, giving you access to trauma care close to home, without having to drive 30, 45, or 60 miles when it’s an emergency.
Bottom Line: We’re Here When You Need Us Most
A Level IV trauma center is about preparedness, speed, and coordination. It means that when life takes a sudden turn, Castro County Healthcare’s ER is ready to provide timely care, stabilize and transfer patients, when needed, and set the right care in motion.
Because when you or someone you love is seriously hurt, you need more than a hospital. You need a trauma-ready team — right here in town.