Local Trauma Center Is a Community Lifeline in Medical Emergencies

Often called the front door of a hospital, the emergency department provides front-line medical services for patients. From stitches to stabilizing heart attack victims, the emergency department at Faith Community Hospital (FCH) provides a local lifeline.

“Access to emergency medical services is much more difficult in rural communities because of distance or – for some – lack of local hospitals. We are fortunate here in Jack County because not only do we have an incredible hospital, but also a superb emergency department and EMS team to support these critical services,” explains Frank L. Beaman, CEO of FCH. “I couldn’t be any prouder of the amazing work our team members in the emergency department perform each day. Seeing patients quickly and getting them on the road to recovery is our priority, because in emergency situations, that’s what matters.”

The emergency department at FCH is equipped with the latest technology to diagnose and treat patients efficiently. With a team of physicians and healthcare professionals, along with access to other hospital services – such as a clinical laboratory and imaging department – the department provides the community with the best option for immediate medical care.

As a Level IV Trauma Center, FCH is certified to treat patients in almost any situation. According to Beaman, hospitals can apply for one of four levels of trauma-center designation, each based upon the resources available at a facility. 

Many rural hospitals in Texas have either no designation or a Level IV Trauma Center designation, whereas larger facilities in metropolitan areas have designations as high as Level I.

“Knowing the importance of the emergency room when we were in the planning stages of our new hospital, we made sure that we designed it with adequate space it needed to serve as a local trauma center while being comfortable for patients and their loved ones,” Beaman explains. “I think we’ve accomplished what we wanted, and based on patient surveys, we are right on target.” 

When it comes to serious medical conditions, time is of the essence. The FCH Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team is available to transport patients to the hospital or other facilities. This team consists of three separate EMS shifts, each staffed with a crew of four Texas EMS certified personnel. These crew members staff two of three available ambulances 24/7 for any emergency medical needs that may arise.

In emergency situations, the EMS team provides a critical link between individual and emergency care. There is often a very short window of opportunity when it comes to certain medical conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes and car accidents – to name just a few. 

“We are incredibly fortunate—there’s no other way to put it,” Beaman emphasizes. “Many communities in our state do not have access to local healthcare – much less emergency services. So to have access to an emergency room where our residents can be stabilized or treated is a blessing. Our emergency department and EMS team members are heroes in some ways, and I’m thankful for their passion and commitment.”

For more information about emergency medical services and other local healthcare services in Jacksboro and surrounding communities, visit www.fchtexas.com.