SALINAS >> This weekend marks the tenth anniversary of a milestone not only for a local hospital but for traumatic injury patients in the County of Monterey and surrounding communities at large.

On Sunday, Natividad Medical Center celebrates ten years of its Level II Trauma Center designation highlighting what the hospital says is its “unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, lifesaving medical care to the Monterey County Community.”

Natividad’s Level II Trauma Center has transformed Monterey County’s, as well as the surrounding area’s, emergency medical services landscape since the medical center received its designation on Jan. 5, 2015, becoming the only trauma center in the county.

Natividad says it “has become a beacon of hope for critically injured patients, addressing a vital need in one of California’s largest counties without such facilities at the time.”

In the last ten years, the Level II Trauma Center at Natividad has treated more than 14,000 traumatic injury patients, averaging about 1,400 cases annually.

The Trauma Center program is equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by trained professionals, including double-boarded trauma surgeons, neurosurgeons, orthopedic trauma surgeons, trauma nurse practitioners and trauma-trained nurses. All specialized medical personnel are committed to delivering round-the-clock care and support.

“Natividad is dedicated to continuing our journey of excellence and ensuring that our community has accessible world-class health care close to home,” said Natividad CEO Dr. Chad Harris in a press release. “We look forward to the next decade and beyond and are committed to saving lives and improving patient outcomes for everyone in Monterey County.”

Years of dedication and rigorous preparation went into becoming a Level II Trauma Center, according to Dr. Alexander Di Stante, the Trauma Medical Director and Surgical Services Director.

“Our journey to becoming a designated trauma center involved meticulous planning, significant upgrades to our facilities and staffing, and was a collaborative effort with our leadership team,” said Di Stante in the release. “The improvements we implemented not only elevated our hospital’s reputation but also transformed the standard of care we provide to our entire community.”

Di Stante said that Natividad’s Trauma Center’s level of preparedness, along with its location, “within an hour’s reach by ambulance or helicopter,” has saved countless lives.

Trauma remains the leading cause of death for people aged 45 and younger, making immediate access to specialized trauma care crucial, according to Natividad. Studies show that treatment at a designated trauma center reduces death rates by 25% compared to non-trauma facilities. While car accidents account for 45% of the trauma cases treated, falls make up 21% of patients. Assault injuries account for 12% of trauma patients, while other incidents are 4%. Pedestrian accidents have surged to 7% of cases, while motorcycle and bicycle incidents hover at 6% and 4%, respectively, and cars often play a role in these traumatic injuries. For pediatric cases needing specialized care, the hospital coordinates transfers as required to ensure the best outcomes.

“The trauma center team exemplifies a commitment to collaboration and rapid response,” said Dr. Di Stante. “As a Level II Trauma Center, Natividad attracts top medical talent — doctors and other medical professionals who seek out the challenges of trauma care.”

Di Stante said this creates a halo effect where patient outcomes and care is improved for all patients, not just for trauma patients. With its readiness and skill, Natividad’s Trauma Center operates at the same level as the top Level I Trauma Centers. The primary difference between its Level II and a Level I is that Natividad doesn’t have trauma teaching, research or fellowship programs.

The hospital’s trauma program also offers community-focused trauma prevention education and programs such as Stop the Bleed to equip the public with medical tactics, like compression and tourniquet applications, to save lives in urgent situations, says Natividad Medical Center. Natividad Foundation’s CHOICE violence intervention program addresses the root causes of violence.

It places expert interventionists at the bedside and offers resources to patients to avoid retaliation and returning to a violent lifestyle.