MedStar Trauma Unit Earns First National Lantern Award
The Trauma and Burn Emergency Resuscitation Unit at MedStar Washington Hospital Center has secured the Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award, a first for the institution. This distinction honors the nursing staff’s performance in safety, education, and patient advocacy while managing the region's most severe and complex medical emergencies.
This year, 126 emergency departments nationwide met the rigorous criteria for the Lantern Award, which evaluates excellence in nursing practice and clinical outcomes. At MedStar, the recognition highlights a specialized team that operates as a Level I Trauma Center, distinct from the standard emergency department.
Throughout its history, the unit has served as a critical resource during major regional crises, including the 2001 attack on the Pentagon, the 2013 Washington Navy Yard shooting, and the 2017 Congressional Baseball Game shooting. The facility’s design features three major and five minor resuscitation bays, all of which maintain the flexibility to convert based on patient volume and acuity surges.
Chief Nursing Officer Ariam Yitbarek emphasized that the award reflects the staff's commitment to delivering expert, compassionate care under extreme pressure. Senior Nursing Director Donna Johnson added that the accolade validates the unit's long-standing focus on clinical readiness and continuous professional development.
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