The first Ohio childrens hospital to be verified as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center in 1991, Columbus Childrens admits more than 1300 seriously-injured pediatric patients annually, which makes it one of the busiest pediatric trauma centers in the U.S.
Established by the ACS in 1987, the COTs Verification/Consultation Program for Hospitals promotes the development of trauma centers in which participants provide not only the hospital resources necessary for trauma care, but also the entire spectrum of care to address the needs of all injured patients. This spectrum encompasses the pre-hospital phase through the rehabilitation process. Verified trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capability and institutional performance, as outlined by the ACS COTs manual. Level I verification confirms that a trauma center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the highest quality trauma care for all injured patients.
Key elements of a Level I Trauma Center include 24-hour in-house coverage by general surgeons and prompt availability of care in specialties such as orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology, internal medicine and critical care. A Level I Trauma Center provides leadership in prevention, public education and continuing education of the trauma team members. These centers are committed to continued improvement through a comprehensive quality assessment program and an organized research effort to help direct new innovations in trauma care.
Several hundred staff members provide care throughout the trauma care continuum at Columbus Childrens Trauma Center, said Kathy Haley, R.N., Trauma Program manager. This care encompasses pre-hospital, the Emergency Department, throughout the hospital including rehabilitation and concluding with school re-entry. Re-verification by the ACS as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center recognizes our continuing commitment to the highest level of care for injured children in our region and surrounding areas.