If you are looking to transfer a trauma patient, please call 858-576-1700 and speak with an operator, 24/7. Our Trauma Center Administration offices are open during normal business hours at 858-966-4010.
Overview
Traumatic injuries are the primary cause of death among children and can happen to anyone at any time. As the regional Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego plays a key role in preserving life and helping children and families recover.
Accredited by local, state and national organizations, a Level 1 Trauma Center is the highest designation for trauma care. Highly trained teams and cutting-edge treatments are always available to help the most severely injured patients. Our physicians and staff are ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In addition to treating conditions often handled in emergency rooms, the Trauma Center offers a unique, higher level of care, providing lifesaving treatments for the most severely ill or injured children. This comprehensive care provided by trauma centers improves patient outcomes by 25 percent.
Our highly skilled and prepared Trauma Team helped Keane to survive a shark attack and fully recover. Read his harrowing story.
Each year, our center cares for approximately 1,000 pediatric trauma patients from San Diego and the surrounding counties. Pediatric trauma age designation is up until their 15th birthday.
Upon arrival, patients are rapidly evaluated, and throughout the care process, they are seen by interdisciplinary teams of medical and surgical specialists, including emergency physicians, trauma surgeons, critical care physicians, trauma nurses and respiratory therapists.
In addition to providing expert care, the Trauma Center is nationally recognized for disaster preparedness and planning. Staff is also actively involved in injury prevention initiatives, with a special focus on drowning prevention, injuries caused by falling televisions and pedestrians struck by motor vehicles. Click here for our injury prevention fact sheets.
Transport
Rady Children’s Hospital Emergency Transport (CHET) provides critical care transportation for seriously ill and injured children throughout Southern California.
For trauma transfers, call the main Hospital number (858-576-1700) and ask for the trauma surgeon.
American College of Surgeons Accreditation 2022
2022 Trauma Report
View a summary of our 2022 trauma report, identifying the most prevalent injury concerns in San Diego county.
In the News
- More Children Are Falling Out of Windows During Summer in San Diego. Here’s How to Prevent It, nbcsandiego.com, features Matthew Derkrikorian, M.S.N, Trauma Services Manager
- Concerns Grow Over Safety of E-bikes Amid Reports of Accidents, NBC News, features Romeo Ignacio Jr., M.D.
- Falls from Windows Increasing, 10news, features Matthew Derkrikorian, B.S.N, R.N., CEN, CPEN (Video)
- Teen Bitten by Shark Throws First Pitch at Padres Game, 10news.com, features Trauma patient Keane Hayes and Salil Upasani, M.D.
- Drowning prevention advice for parents this Summer, kusi.com, features Romeo Ignacio, Jr., M.D.
- “Stop the Bleed” and Save a Life, The Vista Press, features Renee Douglas, R.N.
- Hospital, Mother Team Up to Teach Importance of Wearing Helmets, NBC Los Angeles, features Renee Douglas, R.N., and patient Alex Hargis
Support Our Program
One hundred percent of your tax-deductible gift benefits Rady Children’s.
To donate, click the link below and select Trauma and Emergency Care Programs from the Gift Designation Drop-down menu: