ED Manag. 2002 Sep;14(9):102-3; suppl 1-2.
By scoring trauma patients before they arrive in the ED, a Maine ED reports improved care, fewer problems with on-call physicians, and more efficient use of hospital resources. On-call surgeons previously were contacted for all trauma cases, but now they are contacted only if scores indicated this is necessary. Only a small percentage of trauma patients actually need a surgeon immediately. The trauma team is called in before the patient arrives if scores show it is needed, but otherwise, the team is not mobilized.
