A traumatic injury can happen at any time: a car accident, a fall, an animal bite. As one of four trauma centers in Orange County—and the only one dedicated exclusively for kids—CHOC Children’s is ready to treat traumatic injuries 24 hours a day.

Critically injured children from across the region are transported and transferred to CHOC because we have the pediatric expertise only a children’s hospital can provide. Our trauma team is trained to care for children and their unique physiological, anatomical and emotional needs, and our protocols and equipment are specially designed for pediatrics.

Safety and Injury Prevention

CHOC is committed to creating a safe community for families in Orange County. Our injury prevention program addresses the most common causes of childhood injury by providing parents and children with safety tips and education. Topics include teen driving, chemical poisoning in the home, car seats, drowning prevention and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a trauma center?

A trauma center is a hospital with a special team and a special process in place to treat patients with physical trauma. In addition to treating emergent issues in pediatric patients of all ages, our designation as a pediatric trauma center means we also treat patients up to age 14 with traumatic injuries.

What is required to be a Level II pediatric trauma center, like CHOC?

To be designated as a Level II trauma center, CHOC goes above and beyond to meet the requirements set by Orange County Emergency Medical Services by offering the following:

Eight board-certified pediatric trauma surgeons, led by trauma medical director Dr. David Gibbs, and a trauma-trained pediatric nurse manager.
Pediatric specialists in anesthesia, cardiothoracic surgery, craniofacial and plastic surgery, emergency, neurosurgery, otolaryngology (ENT) surgery, orthopaedic surgery, pediatric surgery, urology and vascular surgery, available 24 hours a day.
An award-winning pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) providing intensive and acute care to critically ill surgical and medical pediatric patients.
State-of-the-art operating rooms for performing immediate or emergency surgery using the latest and safest procedures.
Support services for patients and their families dealing with a traumatic situation, including psychology services, child life services, social services and our Pediatric Advanced Care Team.
Additional services in the hospital including a blood bank, radiology and rehabilitation services.
A commitment to providing education about safety and injury prevention in the community.

What is a traumatic injury?

A physical trauma is defined as a blunt or penetrating injury that requires immediate medical treatment in order for the patient to survive. Most often, these injuries are the result of car accidents, pedestrian accidents or falls.

If my child experiences a trauma, what should I do?

If your child needs immediate medical attention and you cannot safely transport your child to the hospital, please call 911 immediately. First responders will take your child to the nearest trauma center, which may be CHOC Children’s.

At CHOC Children’s, we heal more than physical injuries.

We know a trauma can have lasting effects on a child and family. Beyond treating an immediate injury, we do everything possible to minimize the emotional impact of a trauma, as well as focus on the child and family’s needs after a trauma, whatever they may be. Our compassionate and skilled support services include:

No other trauma center in the region offers the whole mind-body care you’ll find at CHOC.

Getting Here

CHOC Children’s trauma center is located at The Julia and George Argyros Emergency Department, on the first floor of the Bill Holmes Tower. From La Veta Avenue, turn on to Pepper Street, pass the main entrance to the hospital, and turn in at the second driveway under the Emergency sign. Valet parking is available.

1201 W. La Veta Ave. | Orange, CA 92868
Phone: 888-770-2462

Get printable maps of our campus in English or Spanish.