On Jun. 2, 1974, the Burn Center at Harborview Medical Center received its first patients. It is now a leading center for surgical management of burn wounds. Harborview Medical Center serves as the sole adult and pediatric level I trauma center for Washington State, and its faculty have led efforts to develop comprehensive systems of trauma care across the country.

The Washington State trauma system is an inclusive system that was developed based on data-driven decisions to distribute resources based on population need.