Pediatric Trauma Services

When a child experiences a serious injury, every second matters. Stony Brook Children’s Hospital provides specialized trauma care designed specifically for children and their unique medical, emotional and developmental needs.

Stony Brook University Hospital is Suffolk County’s only American College of Surgeons (ACS)-verified Level I Trauma Center for adults and children. As the only trauma center in Suffolk County certified to care for the most seriously ill and injured children, we provide the highest level of emergency care available for pediatric trauma patients.

Each year, more than 300 children with traumatic injuries receive care from our specialized pediatric trauma team.

Services

Stony Brook Children’s provides comprehensive trauma services for children of all ages, from emergency evaluation and surgery to intensive care and recovery.

24/7 Access to Pediatric Speciality Care

Children with traumatic injuries often require care from multiple medical specialists. Stony Brook Children’s has more than 180 physicians across 30 pediatric specialties available to support trauma care around the clock. Specialty consultation is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, helping children receive the right care at the right time.

Emergency Transport for Critically Injured Children

Stony Brook provides both air and ground transport for children who need the advanced services available at a Level I Trauma Center.

During transport, children are cared for by a specially trained team that may include emergency medical technicians, registered nurses, respiratory therapists and paramedics. The transport team remains in constant communication with the Pediatric Trauma Center team so appropriate treatment can begin immediately when a child arrives.

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

Children with serious injuries receive advanced care in Stony Brook Children's 12-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), which provides the region's highest level of family-centered critical care.

Our Pediatric Trauma Team works closely with pediatric critical care specialists, neurosurgeons and other pediatric experts to provide seamless, around-the-clock care. The PICU is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by pediatric intensivists, specially trained PICU nurses and other pediatric healthcare professionals.

Advanced therapies available in the PICU include:

• Continuous renal replacement therapy
• High-frequency oscillatory ventilation
• Inhaled nitric oxide therapy
• Specialized nutritional support

A Child-Friendly Care Experience

A child’s injury can be frightening for the entire family. Our pediatric trauma team focuses on providing expert medical care while creating an environment where children and families feel supported. Stony Brook Children’s Hospital features: 

• A separate pediatric entrance to help children avoid exposure to adult emergencies
• Private treatment rooms
• Child-friendly “ouchless” approaches to tests and treatment
• A separate waiting area for children and families
• Valet parking to help parents remain close to their child

Comprehensive Recovery and Support Services

Recovery from a serious injury often continues after emergency treatment. Our trauma team works closely with rehabilitation specialists to help children regain strength, function and independence.

Services may include:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Child Life specialists
• Social work services

Together, these specialists support each child's physical and emotional recovery while helping families navigate the healing process.

Patient and Community Resources

Injury Prevention and Community Programs

Helping prevent injuries before they happen is an important part of our mission. Stony Brook Children’s offers free community programs designed to educate children, parents and caregivers about safety. 

Our pediatric injury prevention programs include:

• Teddy Bear Clinics
• Teen Driving Initiatives
• Sports Safety Clinics
• Car Seat Safety Programs
• Parent Information Sessions
• Other community injury prevention programs

We also work with community organizations to extend injury prevention education beyond the hospital. In partnership with the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, Stony Brook Children's Hospital developed a Safety First patch to help girl scouts learn about injury prevention.

For more information about available injury prevention programs, contact:

Jamie Ryan, BSN, RN, CPN
Injury Prevention Coordinator
(631) 444-9321
sbcinjuryprevention@stonybrookmedicine.edu

Trauma Recovery Resources

In addition to medical care, children and families may need support during recovery after a traumatic injury.

• Trauma Survivor Network connects children, teens and families with emotional support and resources beyond clinical care.

Additional Resources

These organizations offer reliable information on child safety, injury prevention and emergency preparedness:

• Safe Kids
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• HealthyChildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
• National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA)
• NY State Injury Prevention
• Suffolk County Car Seat Fitting Stations (call for appointment)

Education and Research

Stony Brook Children’s is committed to advancing pediatric trauma care through education, training and research.

• Our pediatric trauma surgical faculty participate in continuing medical education programs and help train future physicians through medical school and residency programs.
   
• The team also educates colleagues and local healthcare providers in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), a trauma education program developed by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) that teaches providers how to evaluate and manage patients with serious injuries.

Through education, collaboration and continued learning, we help improve trauma care for children throughout the region.