ABSTRACT
Trauma continues to be the leading cause of death in the first several decades of life. Those surviving an accident but suffering from significant trauma will frequently need intensive care. The criteria for intensive care unit (ICU) admission will vary from institution to institution, but some commonality can be suggested. Those with multi-system trauma or hemodynamic instability will benefit from intensive care. Others with a Pediatric Trauma Score of seven or less; isolated but significant head trauma and an altered mental status; liver, or splenic lacerations of grade III or greater; significant pancreatic injuries, multiple orthopedic injuries; and injuries, that may not be readily cared for on the ward because of local institutional factors may best be cared for initially in the ICU.
