Trauma centers are hospitals with resources immediately available to provide efficient surgical intervention to reduce the likelihood of death or permanent disability.  Accredited trauma centers must be continuously prepared to treat the most serious life threatening and disabling injuries. They are not intended to replace the traditional hospital and its emergency department for minor injuries.

All accredited trauma centers must meet a stringent set of requirements.

The Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation (PTSF) is a non-profit corporation recognized by the Emergency Medical Services Act (Act 1985-45) as amended.  The PTSF is the organization responsible for accrediting trauma centers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  It has been reviewing and surveying applicant hospitals since May of 1986. Trauma experts from across the United States participate in the voluntary cyclical review process.

Each trauma center is an integral component of the emergency services system.  The EMS system include appropriate patient care management from the time of injury to treatment at a local hospital and/or trauma center and through the rehabilitative phase.

Lancaster General has provided organized trauma care for 20 years and is one of only 26 accredited trauma centers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.