20 CAR § 80-303 – Triage standards for Levels I–IV trauma centers

(a) Receive the EMS provider radio report.
(b) Use the predetermined multitiered activation plan to activate the trauma team based on prehospital information when available.
(c) Assure placement of a trauma band on the patient (if not already placed on the patient by the EMS provider).
(d) At a minimum, centers shall include in the highest level of activation criteria the following:
1. (1) Confirmed hypotension (less than ninety (90) millimeters of Mercury (<90mmHg) adults or age appropriate for children) attributed to trauma;
2. (2) GCS less than nine (< 9) with a mechanism due to trauma (general surgeon response can be at the discretion of the ED physician) (for Levels I, II, and III), GCS less than thirteen (< 13) with a mechanism due to trauma (for Level IV);
3. (3) Respiratory distress attributed to trauma;
4. (4) Gunshot wound to the neck, chest, or abdomen;
5. (5) Transfer of a patient from another facility receiving blood or pressure support to maintain vital signs; and
6. (6) Any patient for whom the ED physician feels the highest level of activation is warranted.
(e)
1. (1) Trauma patients who meet none of the above criteria shall undergo appropriate ED evaluation and management.
2. (2) The facility shall have a protocol in place for the rapid assessment and treatment of patients taking anticoagulant medication with injury above the clavicles.