For more than a decade, West Chester Hospital's Level III trauma center has provided specialized trauma care close to home for people across Northern Cincinnati.
This year, West Chester Hospital celebrates 13 years as a verified Level III trauma center by the American College of Surgeons. During that time, the hospital has cared for more than 15,500 trauma patients.
For patients and families, that means access to experienced trauma specialists, emergency surgery, critical care and treatment—without always having to travel far from home.
Trauma can happen anywhere and at any time. A serious car crash, fall, workplace injury or other accident can require immediate medical attention.
Level III trauma centers can assess patients quickly, resuscitate them (restart their heart or breathing), operate immediately and get them stable.
At West Chester Hospital, patients benefit from:
The goal is simple: get patients the right care, as quickly as possible, in the right place.
“Having a Level III trauma center close to home means patients can receive timely, lifesaving care in the community where they live, while keeping their family, friends and loved ones close throughout their recovery. ” Matt Lang, RN Program Manager, WCH Level III trauma center
West Chester Hospital offers a unique advantage within the UC Health system. It has the convenient location of a community hospital with access to the expertise of the region’s Level I trauma program.
West Chester Hospital and UC Medical Center share trauma providers, who stay in contact when patients need to be transferred. When a patient's injuries can be treated at West Chester Hospital, the team can provide care close to home. When a patient needs the resources of a Level I trauma center, the team can transfer them to UC Medical Center.
“What makes our Level III trauma center unique is that our surgeons also practice at UC Health’s Level I trauma center. This connection brings advanced trauma expertise to the Northern Cincinnati community and provides patients with a seamless pathway to higher levels of care within our own health system when more specialized treatment is needed.” Matt Lang, RN Program Manager, WCH Level III trauma center
That connection helps reduce delays and keeps care moving forward.
Patients coming to West Chester Hospital get immediate evaluation and treatment while the trauma team determines the appropriate next step. For some patients, that means surgery, intensive care and recovery at West Chester Hospital. For others, it means rapid transfer to UC Medical Center for highly specialized trauma services.
Either way, patients benefit from being part of one connected trauma system.
West Chester Hospital’s trauma program is supported by physicians and specialists who care for patients across the UC Health system.
Dr. Aaron Seitz, Trauma Program medical director at West Chester Hospital, is an assistant professor of Surgery and Critical Care at the University of Cincinnati. He practices at both West Chester Hospital and UC Medical Center as a trauma and acute care surgeon and surgical intensivist.
Since becoming the WCH Trauma program medical director in 2023, Dr. Seitz has focused not only on providing trauma care but also on strengthening relationships throughout the community—including partnerships with local first responders.
That collaboration extends beyond the hospital walls.
Great trauma care starts before a patient reaches the emergency department.
West Chester Hospital works with local fire and EMS agencies to prepare for traumatic injuries throughout the region. Through partnerships with the UC Division of EMS and Air Care & Mobile Care, the West Chester Hospital EMS program manager helps provide hands-on, live trauma simulations for fire departments across multiple counties.
These training sessions give first responders the chance to practice responding to trauma, medical emergencies and rescue situations in realistic environments.
By training together, hospital teams and first responders can build stronger connections and prepare for the moments when those relationships matter most.
The best trauma is the trauma that never happens.
West Chester Hospital’s trauma team is actively involved in injury prevention programs for some of the most common causes of serious injury in the community.
Falls are a leading cause of trauma, particularly among older adults. West Chester Hospital offers Stepping On, a seven-week program designed to help older adults improve strength, balance and mobility while learning how to reduce their risk of falling.
Car crashes are a leading cause of trauma emergencies. West Chester Hospital provides community education focused on preventing crashes and reducing injuries when they do happen.
Programs for new and inexperienced drivers focus on distracted and impaired driving and the importance of using a seat belt. Older drivers can also participate in a drive-through program that helps them understand and properly use the safety features and technology in their vehicles.
A serious injury can happen at home, at work or on the road. Knowing what to do before emergency responders arrive can make a difference.
UC Health offers STOP THE BLEED® classes that teach participants three essential skills treating bad injuries:
These hands-on classes prepare community members to respond during a life-threatening bleeding emergency.
A Level III trauma center does more than treat injuries after they happen. It helps the community respond when emergencies occur.
West Chester Hospital’s trauma program is a critical local resource for Northern Cincinnati. It offers rapid emergency care, surgical services, stabilization and intensive care close to home. The program also keeps in close contact with the region’s most advanced trauma center if patients need a higher level of care.
It also prepares the community for larger events, disasters and mass casualty incidents by bringing hospital teams, EMS agencies and community partners together to train and prepare.
After 13 years and more than 15,500 trauma patients, West Chester Hospital continues its commitment to exceptional trauma care close to home.
When serious injuries happen, expert trauma care is here.
Whether you are a patient, family member, first responder or community member, knowing where to turn in an emergency matters.
Learn more about West Chester Hospital’s Level III trauma center, UC Health’s trauma services and injury prevention programs.
If you or someone you love has experienced a serious injury, call 911.
