Criteria for level 1 and level 2 trauma codes: Are pelvic ring injuries undertriaged?

Table 1 Inclusion criteria for designation as a level 1 trauma code at the author’s home institution

Level 1 adult trauma code criteria
Cardiac arrest (secondary to trauma)
Airway compromise, poor ventilation, or high potential for same (includes assisted ventilations, field intubation, referring facility intubation compromise, or inability to intubate)
Hypotension or shock (Systolic BP < 90 mmHg adults and age specific hypotension)
GCS ≤ 8 (Presumably due to trauma)
GSW to neck or torso (chest, back, abdomen, or groin), or extremity proximal to the elbow/knee
Receiving blood transfusion at any time prior to arrival to maintain vital signs (transfer patients, air transport)
Emergency physician discretion
Patients who develop any level 1 criteria during their Emergency Department stay should be upgraded to a level 1 trauma code

GCS: Glasgow coma scale; GSW: Gunshot wound.