Trauma Center: alternative model of trauma care in the state of Rio de Janeiro

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate the Trauma Center of a public hospital in the state of Rio de Janeiro. As methodology the service was observed and indicators were analyzed, including: eligibility criteria; established procedures of service; number and causes of care; and length of stay. The service met the recommended protocols. The mean hospital stay was 11.4 days, similar to the rest of the network, despite the highly complex profile. Seventy-nine percent of the patients were from the prehospital setting and 54.97% were from traffic accidents. The mortality was 4.5%. The Trauma Center fulfilled goals and it is expected that the experience from this center will contribute to the construction of a state policy for trauma care.