Pediatric Trauma Management in Switzerland: Insights from a Nationwide Survey

OBJECTIVE: To explore and analyze pediatric trauma care practices across designated pediatric trauma centers (PTCs) in Switzerland. The focus was on reception, trauma team activation (TTA), trauma team composition, patient volumes, and infrastructure. METHODS: A national online survey was conducted among all eight PTCs in Switzerland with an 18-item questionnaire. The survey investigated organizational aspects, criteria for TTA, patient volume, and communication modalities in pediatric emergency departments (PEDs). RESULTS: All PTCs responded, revealing varied methods of TTA, and with reception of major trauma either within PEDs or at adjacent adult trauma facilities. Trauma team composition and activation criteria also differ among centers, with nonsurgeons often leading the teams and anesthesia as a default for airway management. TTA criteria vary widely, with the most common being the request of prehospital crew (62.5%) and physician discretion (50%). Trauma resuscitation is predominantly led by PED attendings (75%). CONCLUSION: The survey provides insights into the state of pediatric trauma care in Switzerland and emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary teams and the variability in trauma management practices, which are often tailored to local circumstances. Despite the limitations of self-reported data and the small sample size due to the country's size, the results suggest that a national trauma registry would help to evaluate and optimize pediatric trauma care protocols.