About Trauma Services
American College of Surgeons verified Level I Pediatric Trauma Center
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is a verified Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and is recognized as an expert in the evaluation and treatment of children who have experienced severe and life threatening injuries. Trauma is considered a surgical disease; therefore, care of the injured child is directed by pediatric trauma surgeons.
Traumatically injured children may also require input from specialty medical services within Cincinnati Children's such as:
Hand-in-hand with medical treatment, the emotional well-being of the child and family is a routine part of our family-centered care. Chaplains, child life, social services and psychology are essential components available to address the emotional needs of the child and family.
Definition
A Pediatric Trauma Center is distinguished from other facilities in that it guarantees the immediate availability and dedication of specialized pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, physician specialists, nurses, pediatric resuscitation equipment and an available operating room on a 24 hour-a-day basis.
Requirements
In recent years, the publication from the American College of Surgeons Committee on trauma, Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient, has been used as a guide for the development of trauma systems in the United States. For verification as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center, surgeons from various regions of the country provide a rigorous on-site review in order to ensure compliance of these standards. Cincinnati Children's has been verified as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center since 1993.
An essential component of a trauma center is to anticipate and be ready for the needs of the critically injured child 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week. Thorough evaluation and treatment must be provided in a timely manner. The operating room and trained staff must be immediately available. Because children are the focus at Cincinnati Children's, all training and education—as well as equipment--are pediatric specific.
State Legislation
Ohio Trauma Legislation (HB 138) was enacted in November 2002. This bill requires that all Ohio Trauma Centers be verified by the American College of Surgeons, directs development of appropriate triage protocols and establishes regional trauma protocols for optimal care.
