Using Outcome-Based Vital Sign Ranges can Enhance the Identification of Major Trauma in Children

Trauma is the leading cause of mortality in children [1]. Challenges remain in developing vital sign ranges for injured children, despite the emphasis placed on physiologic criteria in triage and decision making [2]. Combinations of criteria can improve the identification of major trauma among injured children presenting to the emergency department (ED). In a prospective study, Holmes, et al., identified risk factors for intra-abdominal injury requiring intervention (IAI) among children with blunt abdominal trauma [3].