Because children respond differently . . . those with critical injuries often require specialized care beyond the resources of general medical facilities. They may require pediatric and surgical specialists and a hospital with an around-the-clock commitment to advanced pediatric trauma care, and one prepared to aid the family at the time of crisis. After discharge, they need physical, emotional and educational rehabilitation to complete their recovery.

Carolinas Medical Center's Hemby Pediatric Trauma Institute serves all of these needs, 24 hours a day, without regard to ability to pay.

A comprehensive system of pediatric trauma care has five essential elements:

Prehospital Care
Our goal at CMC's Hemby Pediatric Trauma Institute is to maintain a regional network of physicians, nurses, emergency medical technicians and paramedics skilled in the proper response to pediatric trauma from the moment of injury. Toward that end, and in cooperation with local EMS systems, physicians and hospitals, the Institute provides training opportunities ranging from introductory lectures to in-service courses in pediatric trauma.

Hospital Care
At Carolinas Medical Center, physicians, nurses, the Emergency Department, surgical suites and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit are always on alert, ready to receive pediatric trauma patients. There is a specialized, interdisciplinary pediatric trauma response team, which is available to begin treatment at once. The most sophisticated medical care at this state-designated Level One trauma center is available on a moment's notice.

Rehabilitation
Psychological and social problems can be as devastating as physical injury. Rehabilitation specialists begin to plan for this phase of recovery shortly after the injured child arrives. Our goal is to return the child to the home environment as quickly as possible, with an individual rehabilitation program tailored just for the child.

Injury Prevention
Injury is the principal public health problem in America today. However, injury is a problem that can be diminished considerably if adequate attention and support are directed to it. CMC's Hemby Pediatric Trauma Institute has many programs aimed at understanding and preventing injuries. Prevention is the key to keeping our youth from falling victim to injury.

Research
At CMC, research is an integral part of the Medical Center's purpose. It is the key to developing improved injury control and treatment for pediatric trauma victims. State-of-the-art research is underway to allow for advances in therapeutic and prevention models.