American journal of surgery
-
Injuries are a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in children. Mechanisms of injuries and presentations are diverse in pediatric injuries and require special attention. Dedicated pediatric trauma care centers are ideal for management of children with injuries simultaneously serving as sources of research data. The objective of the current study was to identify changes in injury mechanisms, modifiable risk factors, and outcomes independently associated with admissions at a large pediatric trauma center in Tampa, Florida. ⋯ Significant reductions in LOS, ICU stay, and complications were temporally observed despite an increase in admissions with higher use of helicopter transport. These results can most likely be attributed to dedicated pediatric trauma experts and resources available at an integrated pediatric trauma center.