The article “Pediatric Readiness and Trauma Center Access for Children” published in JAMA Pediatrics highlights critical disparities in access to timely trauma care for children across the U.S. While rapid access to pediatric trauma care is proven to save lives, the study found that only 65% of children live within 60 minutes of a pediatric trauma center, and just 73% have access to a trauma center with high pediatric readiness.
The authors emphasize that improving the pediatric readiness of existing adult trauma centers—by ensuring they are equipped, staffed, and trained to care for children—could significantly expand access to high-quality emergency care. This approach could benefit over 14 million children, particularly those in rural areas where access remains most limited. The findings underscore the importance of national efforts to strengthen pediatric emergency preparedness. Optimizing adult trauma systems to ensure pediatric readiness at all high-level centers could significantly improve children’s access to early resuscitative trauma care.
Citation: Melhado C, Hancock C, Wang H, et al. Pediatric readiness and trauma center access for children. JAMA Pediatr. 2025;179(4):455-462.