Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital announced in late August it earned its Level 4 trauma designation. The hospital has been working on the designation since 2017.

A Level 4 trauma designation recognizes hospitals that can provide initial levels of trauma care before patients are transferred to a hospital with a Level 1 or 2 designation, which can provide more definitive care to patients.

Trauma victims can include victims of gunshot wounds or car accidents. Trauma is one of the leading causes of death, said Meg Michael, Trauma Program Manager and Emergency Preparedness Officer at Memorial Hermann, in a press release.

“Patients who have access to high quality trauma care at a trauma center in a timely manner could be critical in saving a life,” she said.