Pediatric Trauma Score (PTS)

• Patient conditions may change after initial assessment and scoring.

• Patients should continue to be monitored for evolution of signs and symptoms.

• Should not be used to advise patients that medical attention is not needed after trauma, as a full evaluation by a medical provider is still recommended.

• After scoring is completed, high risk patients (i.e., low scores) should be triaged for immediate medical attention at a pediatric trauma center if one is nearby, or stabilization at the closest medical facility at the discretion of the first responder.

• Patients with higher scores are less likely to have significant morbidity and mortality, but require reassessment as symptoms evolve. Evaluation by a physician including a complete history and physical is still recommended.  

Do not forget that reassessment is an essential part of patient care in all interactions. Patients with an initial score indicating morbidity and mortality may have changes in clinical status, and recalculation may be necessary.