title: Outcome of critically injured patients treated at Level I trauma centers versus full-service community hospitals.
abstract: Critically injured patients were identified by a CRAMS (circulation, respiration, abdomen, motor, speech) score of 6 or less while still in the field. They were prospectively followed as they received their care at the nearest medical facility according to the then-existing district Emergency Medical Services protocols. Those cared for by Level I trauma centers had a significantly reduced mortality rate compared to those treated at the other large full-service community hospitals. The commitment to Level I trauma care improves outcome of the critically injured, and field triage of the critically injured patient to these centers is indicated.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003422:Critical Care; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups; D006764:Hospitals, Community; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012306:Risk; D014193:Trauma Centers; D014218:Triage; D014589:Utah; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*