Trauma is the leading cause of death in persons under the age of 40 and affects a substantial percentage of the US population of all ages. The estimated national annual cost for the healthcare of trauma victims exceeds 200 billion US dollars.

The LAC+USC Trauma Center, a level I American College of Surgeons-approved trauma center, is the largest in the United States with approximately 7,000 trauma admissions per year (60% blunt trauma, 40% penetrating trauma). There is a dedicated division of trauma and critical care with nine full time faculty members, one critical care fellow, and six research fellows. Our mission is to provide accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive health care, one person at a time. The purpose of this page is to provide general information regarding the care of injured patients, as well as to present controversial and new issues in trauma surgery and surgical critical care. We hope you find it informative and interesting. Following are links to our pages and others.

Trauma Center and Trauma Systems Consultation Serveices
The USC Division of Trauma and Critical Care undertakes contract consultations for trauma center and trauma systems development, nationally and internationally. The consultation includes evaluation and recommendations for improved and cost effective running of an existing program or the establishment of new trauma programs. Training in Trauma Registry Maintenance and Quality Improvement issues, for information contact Dr D Demetriades at (323) 226-7761 or e-mail at demetria@usc.edu.