The Section of Trauma in the Department of Pediatric Surgery coordinates services for injured children at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, which operates the region’s only Level I (highest level) Regional Resource Pediatric Trauma Center. The goal of the Benedum Pediatric Trauma Program is to provide optimal care between the time of injury and discharge. Subspecialists in all pediatric medical and surgical disciplines are readily available to provide definitive care.

To be accredited as a Level I Regional Resource Pediatric Trauma Center, a program must include a multidisciplinary trauma response team and a trauma education program that meets or exceeds standards of the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation and the American College of Surgeons. The Benedum Pediatric Trauma Program is directed by the Department of Pediatric Surgery and supported by:

• Pediatric Neurosurgery
• Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
• Emergency Medicine
• Pediatric Radiology
• Pediatric Critical Care
• Pediatric Anesthesiology
• Pediatric Plastic Surgery
• Pediatrics
• Nursing
• Clinical Social Work
• Other ancillary services

Educational programs emphasizing pediatric trauma issues are offered at Children’s and throughout the community.

The program also coordinates the Children’s Hospital Communications Center, a pediatric emergency dispatch system that responds to all emergency calls for trauma, transport, referral, consultation, and medical and surgical emergencies. To reach the Communications Center, call (412) 692-5000.

Referral Requirements

Referrals are required from primary care physicians or other Children’s Hospital specialty services. Referrals for patients enrolled in managed care insurance plans also may require authorization from the insurance provider and primary care physician. All necessary referral and authorization forms must be received before the patient’s visit. For accurate provider numbers or more information, please call the office number listed.