Cook Children’s pediatric trauma care
We've been helping families like yours since 1991. As a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, Cook Children’s meets high standards in trauma care and is capable of providing immediate, life-saving treatment to injured children with state-of-the-art imaging, surgical and recovery facilities.
Our trauma care emphasizes a holistic approach, focusing on minimizing long-term effects from injury and ensuring the overall well-being of the child through recovery. The specialty team is prepared for the car accidents, falls, sporting injuries, and more. We have a dedicated trauma center that operates 24/7 and it's part of a broader network that includes outpatient clinics, specialty services, and advanced pediatric care, making it a trusted resource for families. Cook Children’s is also involved in education, research and advocacy related to pediatric trauma prevention and care.
Your child's care is our top priority, and we'll work with you as a team to ensure they receive the best possible care.
Advancing pediatric trauma care
Our ACS designated Level II Pediatric Trauma Center team includes physicians from many pediatric subspecialties, including pediatric surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, emergency medicine, anesthesiology, plastic surgery and pediatric intensive care. As one of the busiest trauma centers in the region, we’re fully equipped and prepared to deliver specialized care for the most severe and complex injuries. Some of our team members hold leadership positions on regional and state trauma advisory councils. Their training and experience help shape how pediatric trauma and emergency care are delivered throughout North and Central Texas.
As part of our commitment to achieving exceptional outcomes for every patient in our community, we participate in programs designed to improve care delivery.
- National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB): We provide data on trauma-related treatment and outcomes to the NTDB. This national trauma registry empowers medical centers to perform research and ensure they use proven treatment strategies.
- Pediatric Trauma Quality Improvement Program: This program assesses the performance of pediatric trauma programs. The results ensure that everything we do to treat critically injured kids follows best practices to improve patient care and outcomes.
- Stop the Bleed: Sponsored by the American College of Surgeons, this program teaches how to stop bleeding in severely injured people.
- Aim for Safety: Aim for Safety was established in 2017 by Dr. Daniel Guzman, a trauma team member. Its goal is to reduce the number of unintentional firearm injuries that occur in children.
- Safety and Injury Prevention: We're happy to provide an extensive list of safety and injury prevention resources that includes information on everything from basic first aid to car and vehicle safety.
If your child needs our help, you can count on us for:
- Exceptional care: Since 2010, we’ve been verified as a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons and designated by the Texas Department of State Health Services. We can provide immediate care to children requiring specialized treatment for a wide range of trauma-related injuries.
- Recognized experience: We treat nearly 2,000 children with trauma-related injuries each year. Almost 40 percent are referred to us from other regional care facilities or those outside the state.
- 24/7 access to specialists: Your child has access to a full range of specialists and surgeons available 24 hours a day. Our highly skilled team is trained to meet the needs of infants, children and adolescents with traumatic injuries.
- Family-centered care: Needing our services impacts your entire family. We're committed to providing family-centered care by working with you to achieve the best possible outcomes for your child. We also offer support resources to help your entire family through this difficult time.
- Comprehensive support: We recognize that each patient and family has unique circumstances and needs. Our trauma support program and rehabilitation specialists are available to help your family throughout your child's treatment and healing process.
Your expert trauma care team
- Christi Thornhill, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC, Trauma Program Director
- KaLinda Evans, BSN, RN, Trauma Program Manager
- Sharon Evans, BSN, RN, Injury Prevention Manager
- Jay Pearson, PA-C, Pediatric Surgery APP Supervisor and Trauma EMS Liaison
- Bethany Reaves, PA-C
- Brad Maddy, PA-C
- Brock Street, PA-C
- Caitlin Trivett, PA-C
- Erin Cribbs, PA-C
- Grant Kirby, PA-C
- Jacob Lustgarten, PA-C
- Katie Parmley, PA-C
- Rebecca Wu, PA-C
- Sydney Zahorik, PA-C
- Treva Badger, PA-C
In the news
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