Trauma Center-Based Pediatric Emergency Care

Pediatric emergency trauma care providers

High pediatric readiness at trauma centers is associated with a 30% lower mortality rate in children.

More children die of injury each year than from all other causes combined. Most traumatic injuries are treated in general emergency departments (EDs) that may not have the specialized resources or expertise needed to treat acutely injured children. Pediatric trauma centers do have these resources, but 43 percent of children in the United States live more than 30 miles from a pediatric trauma center that can treat even severe injuries.

The Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Innovation and Improvement Center Trauma Domain aims to provide resources and support to help providers, EMSC grantees, and other stakeholders optimize pediatric trauma care. The Trauma Domain works particularly closely with the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, one of the EMSC's collaborative partners.

Projects & Activities

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National Pediatric Readiness Project

The National Pediatric Readiness Project is now incorporated into Trauma Center Verification Standards.

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Trauma Improvement Sprint

View resources, presentations, and more from the Trauma Improvement Sprint, designed to support trauma centers in meeting new pediatric standards.

Resources

Explore resources and information specific to trauma center-based clinicians.

View resources