Emanuel Medical Center (EMC) has been redesignated as a Level IV Trauma Center by the Georgia Department of Public Health Office of EMS and Trauma, reaffirming its critical role in providing timely, lifesaving care to trauma patients in Emanuel County and the surrounding rural region.
EMC is one of only eight hospitals in Georgia designated as a Level IV Trauma Center. The hospital was first designated in 2012, and this marks EMC’s second redesignation, reflecting its continued commitment to meeting rigorous state standards for trauma care.
“This redesignation is a significant achievement for Emanuel Medical Center and for our community,” said Damien Scott, CEO of EMC. “Being a Level IV Trauma Center ensures that our team is prepared with the training and protocols necessary to respond quickly in emergency situations when every second matters. This designation truly saves lives.”
Level IV Trauma Centers play a vital role in Georgia’s statewide trauma system by providing rapid assessment, stabilization, and treatment of injured patients. While EMC treats minor and moderate injuries locally, the trauma program also ensures the hospital can sustain life during major trauma events until patients can be safely transported to higher-level trauma centers. The closest Level I trauma centers to Emanuel County are located in Augusta, Macon, and Savannah, making EMC’s trauma capabilities especially critical during emergencies.
“During a trauma emergency, time is everything,” said Brooke Marsh, Emergency Department Manager and Trauma Program Manager at EMC. “Our trauma designation helps us quickly identify injuries, begin lifesaving interventions, and coordinate rapid transfers when needed. It also gives our team access to education, data, and best practices that help us continuously improve trauma care and, in some cases, prevent injuries before they happen.”
Participation in the trauma program provides EMC with valuable data and training opportunities that support both patient care and community safety efforts. In Emanuel County, falls are the leading cause of traumatic injuries, followed by motor vehicle accidents. This information helps guide prevention education and preparedness efforts throughout the community.
The mission of Georgia’s statewide trauma system is to ensure that Georgians and visitors receive the highest quality care possible by providing a seamless continuum of care from the moment of injury through definitive treatment, while working to reduce injury-related death and disability. The Georgia Department of Public Health Office of EMS and Trauma partners with hospitals statewide to develop trauma protocols and policies that support this mission.
EMC’s trauma leadership team includes Damien Scott, Trauma Administrator; Dr. Olalekan Akinyokunbo, Trauma Medical Director; Brooke Marsh, Trauma Program Manager; and Gail Thornton, Trauma Registrar. During the redesignation process, EMC was commended for its dedication to the care of trauma patients and its ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of the community.
