Protocol Status: PUBLISHED
Protocol:
Version: 2026.01
Effective Date:
Last Reviewed:
Medical Director Approval:
Clinical Note: This content reflects current GCEMS clinical guidelines as of the dates listed above. If content appears inconsistent with current policy, use the most recent approved guideline and notify leadership for correction.

Pediatric Trauma

Triage & Transport

 

Patient < 16 years old?

 

  • No
    • Follow Adult Trauma Triage and Transport Guidelines!
  • Yes

 

    • Inability to manage or secure airway/oxygenation/ventilation?
    • Unmanageable signs/symptoms of shock?
    • Uncontrolled bleeding?

 

  • Yes
    • Transport to GMMC. (Pediatric Trauma Center)

 

  • No

 

    • Pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale PGCS ≤ 13
    • Decreased Level of Responsiveness (See AVPU Scale)
    • Penetrating trauma to head, neck, torso, or extremities proximal to knee or elbow
    • Proximal Long Bone Fractures - crushed, mangled, or degloved extremity - Amputation proximal to the wrist or ankle - Pelvic Fractures
    • Open or depressed skull fractures
    • Indications of significant closed head injury
    • Paralysis
    • Ejection of patient
    • Indications of significant chest or abdominal trauma
    • Auto vs. Pedestrian > 20 mph

 

  • Yes
    • Transport to GMMC if within 60 minutes by ground

 

  • No
    • ( if greater than 60 minutes)
    • Transport to Closest Trauma Center

 

  • No

 

    • Fall > 10 feet or 2-3 times the height of a child
    • MVA with Intrusion > 12 inches roof, 18 inches of the passenger compartment (as outlined in 2011 CDC guideline)
    • Ejection from the vehicle (other occupant)
    • Death in the same vehicle
    • Mechanism consistent with high risk of injury
    • Inadequately restrained
    • Another occupant of the same vehicle is transported to a high level trauma center
    • Auto vs. Pedestrian < 20 mph
    • Motorcycle or motorized recreational vehicle.

 

  • YES
    • Transport to GMMC, if within 30 minutes by ground

 

    • if not within 30 minutes by ground then Transport to the closet Trauma Center
  • No
    • Special Circumstances
      • Burns
      • Pregnancy > 20 Weeks

 

    • Without other trauma mechanism: triage to appropriate facility
    • With trauma mechanism: triage to trauma center

 

Any injury not mentioned above shall be triaged and transported based on the EMS provider judgment - preferably with online medical direction - and according to local Protocols.