Car crashes. Falls. Burns. Violence. Traumatic injuries from these and many other causes bring approximately 5,000 southern Arizonans to the Trauma Center at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson each year. Tragically, hundreds of these trauma patients are children.

Now, southern Arizona’s only Level 1 Trauma Center has been recognized by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma for its special expertise in treating babies, children and teens with life-threatening injuries.

Trauma experts from the American College of Surgeons Verification Review Committee spent two days in Tucson this summer evaluating the hospital’s pediatric trauma service. Last week they officially awarded Pediatric Trauma Level II Verification to the Banner – UMC Tucson Trauma Center for its commitment, readiness, resources, policies, patient care and performance improvement.

“Taking care of children who are critically injured is a special challenge and privilege,” said trauma surgeon Andrew Tang, M.D., medical director of the Banner – UMC Tucson Trauma Center and an associate professor in the University of Arizona Department of Surgery.

“Dozens of caregivers, from first responders and surgeons to pediatric nurses and therapists, must work in prefect sync and with the right resources to avert a tragedy. I always say that trauma care is a team sport, and that’s especially true when caring for kids.”  

Tang said the hospital’s pediatric trauma team spent a year preparing for the American College of Surgeons verification, a rigorous and entirely voluntary process.

Reviewers looked at staffing, availability of pediatric subspecialists, facilities, equipment, nursing, processes, support for parents and the entire spectrum of care for injured children, from the prehospital phase to rehabilitation.

“This pediatric trauma verification by the American College of Surgeons is a rare honor,” said Sarah Frost, chief executive officer of Banner – UMC Tucson. “We work hard to provide the best possible care for southern Arizona children and their families. Our trauma center is the busiest in Arizona, and recognition like this makes us extremely proud.”

A version of this article originally appeared on the UA Health Sciences website: https://opa.uahs.arizona.edu/newsroom/news/2018/banner-umc-trauma-center-recognized-expertise-treatment-injured-kids