Designed for the region's most critically ill and injured patients, the new Shock Trauma Critical Care Tower is home to the world-renowned R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, the nation's first and only integrated trauma hospital.
Dedicated in 2013, the Critical Care Tower has expanded Shock Trauma Center’s capacity to serve the more than 8,000 patients who are treated here every year. Under the leadership of Thomas Scalea, M.D., the expert physicians, nurses and staff of Shock Trauma are dedicated to a singular mission - treating the severely injured and employing groundbreaking research and innovative medical procedures with one goal in mind - saving lives.
"This new building represents the culmination of our team's collective vision to give each and every patient the best possible opportunity for survival and recovery," said Thomas M. Scalea, M.D., FACS, the Honorable Francis X. Kelly Distinguished Professor of Trauma Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and Physician-in-Chief, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. Scalea added, "We remind the citizens of Maryland that when life is on the line, we are here for them, and we need their continued support as we advance this one-of-a-kind critical care facility for the future."
To date, $15 million has been contributed by generous individuals, foundations, corporations and others to the Shock Trauma Critical Care Tower Campaign. The campaign's goal is to raise $35 million which also includes $10 million designated to support the newly established Center for Critical Care and Trauma Education.
The design of the tower integrates the latest advancements in trauma medicine into every aspect of the facility. Within the tower, nine floors of patient care space include 64 new private ICU patient rooms, and 10 new state-of-the-art operating rooms. A new family and visitor lounge designed to serve the special needs of families dealing with the sudden traumatic injury of a loved one has also been added.
On the roof of the new building is an additional helicopter landing pad, increasing the center's capacity to accept air medical transport patients to four. The new landing pad has been specifically designed to accommodate larger and heavier helicopters, such as the President’s Marine One, in the event of a necessary landing.
A leader in training and education, the Shock Trauma Center has forged longstanding partnerships with organizations such as the U.S. Military to advance trauma medicine education and practice. Shock Trauma Center is the largest site in the country for the Center for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills (C-STARS) program, a program where U.S. Air Force surgeons, nurses and technicians come to Shock Trauma for training in preparation for deployment and treatment of wounded soldiers upon their return to the U.S.
The Shock Trauma Critical Care Tower also houses a technologically advanced simulation facility, where teams can replicate conditions in the hospital and on the battlefield to enhance the skills of both civilian and military health care professionals. This Simulation Center is part of the Center for Critical Care and Trauma Education. This newly established Center extends the mission and reach of Shock Trauma through wide range of training and education opportunities.
Shock Trauma is a gift from the people of Maryland to the people of Maryland and we welcome your support. Every contribution in support of Shock Trauma significantly impacts our ability to expand and sustain our mission.
To make a donation, please click below or call 410-328-5770 for more information about the campaign and giving opportunities.
To learn about the various ways you can support the Critical Care Tower Fund, visit our "Ways to Give" page.