The purpose of this guide is to provide guidelines for categorizing pediatric trauma centers to ensure consistency of pediatric trauma care throughout the nation. The guidelines will form the quantitative basis for audit and ongoing quality assurance.

This guide can be used in conjunction with objective quality assurance outcome measures as outlined in Guide F 1224.

This guide can be used by local, regional, and national authorities to establish pediatric trauma centers.

1.1 This guide establishes minimum guidelines for the development and operation of a pediatric trauma facility in a children's or general hospital. A pediatric trauma facility is an institution whose medical and administrative leadership has expressed the personal, institutional, and financial commitment to optimal care of the injured child 24 h a day, 365 days a year.

1.2 This guide defines the system, organizational structure, clinical personnel, and physical equipment necessary for a pediatric trauma facility, whether freestanding or a joint adult/pediatric facility in either a children's hospital or general hospital committed to the care of injured children.

1.3 The criteria outline in this guide incorporates levels of categorization and their essential or desired characteristics.