Pediatric Trauma Center

American College of Surgeons Verified Trauma Center logo

In late 2013, the American College of Surgeons recognized UNC Hospitals as a Level I pediatric trauma center, capable of providing the highest level of expertise in treating critically injured children. That makes N.C. Children's Hospital one of only two children's facilities in the state—and the only one in the Triangle—to receive ACS Level I recognition. UNC Children's trauma program is also noted as "exceptional" in the category of caring for patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

Quick facts about the Trauma Center

  • UNC Children's cares for over 2,000 children with trauma-related injuries in the emergency department annually.
  • UNC has a dedicated pediatric emergency department staffed by specialists trained in pediatric emergency medicine.
  • About 250 pediatric trauma patients were admitted to N.C. Children's Hospital in 2012; 64 percent of those patients were transferred to UNC for a higher level of care from nearby Triangle-area facilities and others across the state fe.
  • Though second to falls among the leading causes of pediatric trauma cases at UNC, transportation-related injuries (motor vehicle crashes, pedestrians struck, bicycle vs. car, ATV accidents) are commonly seen and account for UNC Children's most severely injured patients.

Components of UNC Children’s Pediatric Trauma Program:

  • Five fellowship-trained pediatric surgeons
  • Pediatric surgical specialists in anesthesia, neurosurgery, otolaryngology/ENT, orthopaedics, urology, plastic surgery, and oral and maxillofacial surgery
  • 20-bed pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) staffed by board-certified pediatric intensivists
  • Pediatric rehabilitation and supportive care services, including physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, rehabilitation, psychology as well as a children’s supportive care team, Child Life specialists, and a state-accredited Hospital School
  • Leadership of Orange County Safe Kids program
  • Representation on regional and state trauma advisory councils
  • Trauma outreach education at local and state levels for hospitals and EMS providers
  • Research programs and performance improvement efforts to ensure that each patient experience leads to the best possible outcome