Paediatric Trauma Score (PTS)
Triage tool for paediatric trauma patients. Score -6 to +12. PTS ≤8 predicts major injury requiring paediatric trauma centre.
Score interpretation
PTS 9–12: minor trauma.
→ Standard emergency assessment. Discharge with safety-netting if no concerning features.
PTS 6–8: potentially life-threatening injury. Tepas: a PTS of 8 or less indicates care in a paediatric trauma centre.
→ Trauma team assessment; transfer to or manage in a paediatric trauma centre; imaging as indicated.
PTS 5 or less: life-threatening injury; mortality rises as the score falls.
→ Activate the trauma team. Primary survey (ABCDE). Two points of IV/IO access. Paediatric trauma centre.
Interpretation bands for the Paed Trauma Score. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Tepas JJ 3rd et al. The pediatric trauma score as a predictor of injury severity in the injured child. J Pediatr Surg. 1987;22(1):14-18.
- Tepas JJ 3rd et al. The pediatric trauma score as a predictor of injury severity: an objective assessment. J Trauma. 1988;28(4):425-429.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Ibuprofen (Paediatric) · NSAID / Analgesic / Antipyretic
- Paracetamol (Paediatric) · Analgesic / Antipyretic — First-Line Pain and Fever in Children
- Morphine (Paediatric) · Opioid Analgesic — Moderate to Severe Pain in Children
- Gentamicin (Paediatric) · Aminoglycoside — Neonatal Sepsis / Gram-Negative Infections in Children
- Vancomycin (Paediatric) · Glycopeptide Antibiotic — MRSA / Severe Gram-Positive Infections in Children
- Iron Supplementation (Paediatric) · Iron Supplement — Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Children
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.