How should the destination guideline for the “high-risk” category be interpreted? Does this mean my trauma center may be bypassed?
The National Field Triage Guidelines were developed to help EMS providers identify those patients at highest risk of severe injury. When feasible, patients meeting the “high risk” (RED) criteria should be triaged to the highest-level trauma center within the region. This recommendation is no different than the previous 2011 guidelines. However, we recognize the variability of trauma systems across the US. Each regional service area has unique geography, EMS capacity issues, and variable capabilities of individual trauma centers. These factors must be accounted for when these guidelines are applied to any trauma system. We encourage all stakeholders including EMS leaders, hospital leaders, and representatives from the authority having jurisdiction over the trauma system to meet and adapt the transport recommendations to their individual systems. Transport time required should be considered in defining the service area for each trauma center.
Do the ACS guidelines replace the 2011 CDC guidelines?
The CDC will no longer update the Guidelines for Field Triage of Injured Patients. The 2021 National Guidelines for the Field Triage of Injured Patients created by the American of Surgeons will supersede those produced by CDC in 2011. A statement from the CDC can be found here.
Do I have to change my center’s trauma activation criteria based on these new guidelines?
These guidelines are designed to be used in the field by providers to determine the best destination for patients. These guidelines are not to be utilized by hospitals to determine activation criteria. The updated criteria may be useful to add to activation criteria, but these guidelines were designed for triage and transport decisions in the field only.
Are these guidelines to be used in a mass casualty event?
These guidelines were not designed to be used in a mass casualty event. In a mass casualty event, we recommend using a triage scheme designed for mass casualties.
How do I provide feedback or ask questions regarding the new ACS 2021 Guidelines?
We value your feedback. In fact, this revision encompassed more user feedback than any previous version. Submit your feedback or questions here.
