Pediatric Trauma Services

In the context of pediatric care, trauma refers to any injury severe enough to require immediate medical intervention. Our pediatric trauma services are prepared to handle these emergencies, providing critical care and long-term rehabilitation. We focus on addressing both the immediate physical impact and the potential ongoing impact of trauma.

Common childhood trauma situations include, but are not limited to:

• Motor vehicle accidents, including car crashes, pedestrian accidents or bicycle collisions.
• Falls, such as from playground equipment, trees or stairs, which are among the most frequent causes of childhood injuries.
• Sports injuries, often occurring during contact sports or activities involving physical exertion and gear.
• Burns, from contact with hot surfaces, flames or chemicals.
• Violent incidents, including injuries caused by sharp objects, firearms or blunt force.

In addition to our integrated, family-centered care model, Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital offers key advantages in pediatric trauma care, including:

• Level I certification and expertise: Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital holds a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center certification, indicating the highest level of trauma care available for children. This certification reflects our capacity to provide immediate responses to all types of pediatric trauma with state-of-the-art technology and a team of dedicated trauma professionals available 24/7/365.
• Multidisciplinary pediatric care: Our approach to pediatric trauma care involves a multidisciplinary team of board-certified pediatricians and various specialists in pediatric critical care, pediatric anesthesiology, pediatric surgery, pediatric emergency medicine, pediatric orthopedics, pediatric neurosurgery, pediatric cardiac surgery, pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery, pediatric rehabilitation, pediatric psychiatry and many other pediatric specialties. The affiliated teams work collaboratively to deliver effective, integrated care, covering the full spectrum of urgent health needs.
• Continuum of care: From initial emergency care to ongoing treatment and rehabilitation, our pediatric trauma services offer a seamless continuum of care. This comprehensive approach offers childrens tailored and consistent care throughout their recovery process.
• Personalized care for every child: At Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, personalized care means treating each child as an individual while addressing their unique medical and emotional needs. When necessary, this individualized approach extends into our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Heart Intensive Care Unit, each staffed with dedicated professionals who specialize in critical pediatric care. Additionally, Child Life specialists work alongside medical teams to provide our young patients with therapeutic play and support to reduce anxiety and promote positive outcomes.

Ability to care for the entire family in one facility: Our facility is equipped to manage multigenerational traumas by integrating adult and pediatric trauma services under one roof. We provide coordinated care for patients of all ages, including specialized treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy and various surgical procedures. This arrangement allows us to treat entire families under one roof, reducing the need for transfers and helping family members stay together during critical care situations.

• Memorial Hermann Life Flight^®: The double-load Life Flight capability to Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital sets us apart in emergency transport services. Transporting multiple family members simultaneously allows for rapid and efficient care delivery directly from the scene to our operating rooms. Known as an “ICU in the air,” our Life Flight crews have the expertise and technology to provide critical care en route to the hospital, improving the chances for successful outcomes for all involved.
• Children’s Memorial Hermann Transport Team – The Transport Team’s capabilities help ensure that pediatric patients admitted to local, regional, national and international hospitals can be quickly transferred to Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center or another facility within the Memorial Hermann Health System. Depending on the location and severity of the child's medical condition, the transport team will use a ground ambulance, rotor wing or fixed wing aircrafts.
• Specialized care for sensitive situations: Our Pediatric Forensic Nursing Services provides specialized and sensitive care for children up to 17 years old who are suspected victims of sexual abuse or assault within five days. The Pediatric Emergency Center features a designated treatment room with advanced tools designed specifically for pediatric medical and forensic assessments for handing delicate cases with privacy and precision.

We offer pediatric trauma care across Greater Houston, with several centers strategically located to provide rapid access to specialized trauma care for children, ensuring that help is always within reach.