Emergency & Trauma Services
A designated level II trauma center
At St. Joseph Hospital, Level II designation means expert, round-the-clock trauma care for some of the most critical and life-threatening injuries. We are southern New Hampshire's first Level II Trauma Center, also serving communities in Northern Massachusetts.
Comprehensive trauma medicine
With more than a quarter century of experience, St. Joseph Hospital Trauma Center is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of trauma care.
Our trauma team includes specialists from more than 12 different departments, who respond to "trauma calls" in the Emergency Department. Trauma surgeons, in collaboration with the emergency physicians, coordinate care of the trauma patient. Plastic surgeons, oral and maxillofacial specialists, and ophthalmologists are available for consultation when required.
All trauma nurses have certification in trauma nursing, among other educational certifications. Our general surgeons and emergency physicians are board-certified and maintain certification in Advanced Trauma Life Support. Trauma team members from all involved departments are required to participate in trauma educational activities provided within the hospital and available in the community.
Multidisciplinary trauma team members
- Trauma Surgeon
- Emergency Physician
- Anesthesiologist
- Trauma/Emergency Nurses
- Operating Room Staff
- Respiratory Therapists
- X-Ray Technicians
- CT Scan Technicians
- Laboratory Technicians
- Nursing House Administrator
- Trauma Coordinator
- Spiritual Care Providers
- Social Services Providers
Emergency department
Trauma patients are treated and stabilized in the 14-bed Emergency Department. Our highly trained, dedicated, and diverse Emergency Department staff, under the leadership of Medical Director James Martin, MD, FACEP, in conjunction with Emergency Department Nursing Director Donna Infante, RN, BSN, provides for all aspects of emergency care.
Emergency department physicians are certified in emergency medicine. Staff members are trained and certified in emergency and trauma nursing, and as sexual assault examiners. Our dedicated Stroke Response Team works in partnership with pre-hospital emergency medical services (EMS) to activate the latest thrombolytic treatment protocols for stroke patients to significantly shorten door-to-treatment times.
Continuity of care
From the Emergency Department, patients may be taken to the operating room, Intensive Care Unit, or the appropriate Medical-Surgical floor for continued care, or may be sent home if well enough. Continuity of care is provided for those who need acute rehabilitative services on our Rehabilitation Center, where they will have access to specialists in physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as the latest technologies in rehabilitative medicine.
Private family room
Family and loved ones are treated with care and compassion as they wait in a private waiting room for information about patients admitted to the Trauma Program. Spiritual care providers are available to stay with families to answer any questions and to ensure that updated information on the patient's condition is provided.
EMS/Trauma Services
EMS/Trauma Services provides critical interface with all pre-hospital providers, hospital departments, and community businesses. St. Joseph Hospital is the primary resource facility for 11 emergency ambulance and fire services that provide emergency medical services (EMS) to our communities. These pre-hospital providers are integral to the trauma team and serve as a vital link in the rapid assessment and access to care for the trauma patient.
Training programs offered:
- Emergency Medical Technician training (Paramedic, Intermediate, Basic levels)
- Workplace first aid
- CPR/AED training
- Community-oriented health and medical education