Specialties & Conditions Trauma Center
Trauma Center
Lurie Children's Trauma Center is a City of Chicago-designated Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, which means we’re staffed and equipped to handle the most severely injured children. Lurie Children’s has one of just three pediatric trauma centers in the City of Chicago and sees patients from all over the region. We have experts on call in every pediatric subspecialty, and we see approximately 1,000 trauma patients each year, ranging in age from birth to 16 years.
Some of the most common injuries the Trauma Center treats include:
- Blunt and penetrating head injuries, particularly concussions
- Abrasions, lacerations and other wounds
- Fractures/broken bones and dislocations
- Blunt and penetrating injuries to the chest, abdomen and extremities
- Burns
- Non-accidental trauma (abuse)
- Drowning
- Injuries related to fireworks, dog bites, firearms, motor vehicle accidents, falls
Meet the Team
The Trauma Center team is committed to outreach and advocacy work to enhance safety and health in the Chicago community. Team members regularly visit schools, churches and other community groups to teach CPR and other first aid techniques at no cost. Learn more about the team’s outreach efforts here.
Rashmi Kabre, MD, Director of Trauma Services
Dr. Kabre is an expert in pediatric trauma and directs the pediatric trauma service at Lurie Children’s Hospital. She is double board certified in adult and pediatric surgery. She completed her fellowship in pediatric surgery at Lurie Children’s and has been working with pediatric trauma patients since 2010.
Yiannis Katsogridakis, MD, MPH, Medical Director, Kenneth and Anne Griffin Emergency Care Center
Dr. Katsogridakis is an expert in pediatric emergency medicine and special interests in education and the use of new technologies in the pediatric emergency department. He is board certified in pediatric emergency medicine and general pediatrics and completed his fellowship in pediatric emergency medicine at Children’s Hospital Boston.
Patricia Aquino, RN, Trauma Coordinator
Patty manages the Trauma Program at Lurie Children’s Hospital alongside Dr. Kabre, Trauma Medical Director. She has worked as a Registered Nurse in the Pediatric Emergency Department for many years. Beyond duties as a coordinator, she enjoys outreach within the community and specifically focusing on injury prevention for kids.
The Lurie Children's Difference
As a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, we have the ability to provide multidisciplinary care for children with serious and life-threatening injuries 24 hours a day. Because trauma can involve many body parts and organ systems, the trauma team draws on the expertise of many of the hospital's specialists.
All specialists have training in pediatric care, meaning they can provide the best possible and most appropriate treatment to newborns through teenagers. Our Trauma Team includes specialists from:
Members of these teams are on call 24/7- every specialist available at all times, many in house
- General Pediatric Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
- Transport Team
- Anesthesiology
- Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery
- Critical Care
- Medical Imaging
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopedics
- Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
- Respiratory therapists
- Security
- Spiritual Services
- Social work
- Urology
What to Expect
Pediatric general surgeons direct the trauma service and provide care via the immediate response team. Children admitted to the hospital are under the care of the pediatric surgery service for the first 24-48 hours of care. Though other specialists, such as those from orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery and critical care, may become part of the care team for patients, pediatric surgeons often take the lead in arranging patients’ care conferences or consultations.
Patients and parents being admitted to the trauma service can expect the following evaluations upon their arrival at the hospital.
- A comprehensive review of the patient’s medical and surgical history
- A head-to-toe physical exam
- A focused evaluation of the injuries and any complications
- Diagnostic tests, including x-rays or other imaging, as needed
- A review of treatment options, such as medication, surgery or rehabilitation
Resources & Educational Materials
Our Trauma Center is deeply committed to helping prevent injuries. Visit the Lurie Children's Blog for more information on ways to keep your children safe.
Philanthropy
Your support is vital in helping us continue to make a difference in the lives of patients and families. Lurie Children's relies on philanthropic funding to enhance its programs, services and research for children. To learn more, please e-mail the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation at foundation@luriechildrens.org or call 312.227.7500.