Press releases

Released January 8, 2001
Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital news release

Yale-New Haven Pediatric Emergency verified as Level I Trauma Center

For more information, call 203-688-2493 or E-mail Mark D'Antonio

Perhaps every parent's worst nightmare is the thought of rushing their child to the hospital with a serious injury. No one wants their child to see the inside of an emergency room, but parents can take comfort from knowing that, should the need arise, the pediatric emergency department (ED) at Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital (YNHCH) has been verified as a Level I trauma center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

Level I trauma verification requires that YNHCH have a full pediatric staff available at all times, with specialists in everything from pediatric surgery and orthopedics to radiology and neurosurgery, according to Susanne Johnson, pediatric trauma coordinator at YNHCH.

"ACS verification ensures that we are able to provide total care for every aspect of injury--from prevention through rehabilitation," she said. "As the only Level I trauma center for children in the state, we offer a child-friendly environment with staff specially trained to help injured children and their families," Johnson explained. "Our 24-hour pediatric staff knows how to address not only the physical aspects of a child's injury, but also the emotional needs of the child and family."

The trauma room in the pediatric emergency department at YNHCH opened in April 2000 to more fully meet the specific needs of injured children and their families. "Pediatric emergency medicine is highly specialized," noted Johnson. "You can't just shrink down adult medicine to fit children."

All pediatric and trauma surgeons, ED physicians and surgical residents are certified in advanced trauma life support training, and Johnson noted that the entire Children's Hospital pediatric ED staff is dedicated to improving the quality of care by constantly updating their education and collaborating with colleagues at other institutions.

Reporters: For more information, call 203-688-2493 or E-mail Mark D'Antonio.

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