When your child is injured, you want the highest possible quality of care.
The Emergency and Trauma Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital is a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center. This designation means that we meet the highest standards of care for injured children—both in our emergency room and our trauma clinic.
Pediatric trauma refers to injuries sustained by children and adolescents as a result of accidents or violence. These injuries can range from minor to life-threatening and may impact physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
Pediatric trauma care at WashU Medicine
St. Louis Children’s Hospital is the only pediatric hospital in the region that is nationally recognized by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) as a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, the highest classification of trauma care. That means day or night, we are here to provide the highest level of trauma care available for your child.
What is pediatric trauma?
Pediatric trauma is a result of external forces causing injury to a child or adolescent. Given the physiological and anatomical differences between children and adults, pediatric trauma requires specific considerations in diagnosis and treatment. The management of pediatric trauma aims to stabilize the patient, treat injuries, and address the long-term effects on development and quality of life.
Types of pediatric trauma
Pediatric trauma can range from minor injuries to severe, life-threatening problems. Trauma can be the result of:
- Falls
- Firearm injuries
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Sports injuries
- Burns
- Puncture wounds
- Cuts and scrapes
- Abrasions
Trauma center services
The Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital brings together specialists from several specialties, led by our exert pediatric surgeons, to care for children with a range of traumas. Our team includes:
- Anesthesia
- Emergency medicine
- Critical care medicine
- Neurology
- Orthopedic surgery
- Neurocritical care
- Plastic surgery
- Otolaryngology
- Urology
- Cardiothoracic surgery
- Radiology and medical imaging
Meet our director
Andrew Yeh, MD
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Division of Pediatric Surgery
Director, Trauma Services, St. Louis Children’s Hospital
- Phone: 314-454-6022
Pediatric trauma is a significant medical issue requiring prompt, specialized care to address immediate injuries and long-term effects. Early diagnosis and effective management are crucial for improving outcomes and reducing the risk of complications. Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options is essential for effective care. If a child is experiencing symptoms of trauma, immediate medical attention and consultation with a specialized pediatric trauma team will help develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the child’s specific needs and circumstances.
