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. Low risk of significant injury.
→ Standard emergency assessment. Discharge with safety-netting if no concerning features.
PTS 6–8. Potentially serious trauma.
→ Thorough trauma evaluation. Consider CT imaging. Paediatric surgery review if abdominal/chest injury suspected.
PTS ≤5. High risk of major injury. Paediatric trauma centre indicated.
→ Activate trauma team. Full primary survey (ABCDE). IV access × 2. Imaging. Transfer to paediatric trauma centre if not already there.
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: 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.