About the Emergency Unit
Approximately 55,000 children are cared for each year in the Emergency Unit at St. Louis Children’s Hospital (SLCH), a Level 1 Trauma Center. Traumas seen include motor vehicle accidents, burns and near drownings. Nurses in the EU care for a wide variety of common pediatric diseases including fever, ear infection, sore throat, asthma, meningitis and sickle cell anemia. The Emergency Unit is a fast-paced and challenging environment.
Scope of Service
St. Louis Children’s Hospital Trauma Service provides state-of-the-art tertiary and quaternary care for the pediatric trauma patient, in collaboration with all necessary sub-specialty, diagnostic and support services. Protocols and guidelines have been established to ensure timely, optimal care of the critically injured child. Patient outcome is evaluated by an ongoing performance improvement program.
The overall care delivered provides for the physical as well as psychosocial needs of the patient and family. The unit honors the racial, ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic diversity of the families we serve. We recognize the family as essential nurturers, caregivers and participants in decisions that affect the total healing of the patient. We educate and share relevant information with patients and families in ways that are affirming and useful.
Education is presented on a regular basis for health-care providers involved in the care of the injured child. This includes in-house education as well as outreach programs to other hospitals and EMS services in both urban and rural communities. We also assist with and/or participate in interdisciplinary research programs that may lead to improved care of the injured child.
As part of a commitment to the continuum of care for children, their families and the community, Trauma Services is involved in ongoing development and implementation of injury prevention strategies and programs.