Pediatric Trauma & Injury Prevention Care
Trusted Emergency Support and Injury Prevention for Children Across New Jersey
When your child has a serious injury, you need a place that understands what families are going through and knows how to act fast. At Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health, we care for children with traumatic injuries in two of the most advanced pediatric trauma centers in New Jersey.
Our team offers immediate, expert care during emergencies and ongoing support through recovery. We’re also deeply committed to helping families prevent injuries before they happen, through education and outreach across the state.
What is a Pediatric Trauma Center?
Pediatric trauma centers are equipped to treat children with the most severe and complex injuries. These centers aren’t just versions of adult trauma units. They’re built around the specific needs of young patients, from specialized equipment to emotional support.
Here’s what sets them apart:
- Pediatric trauma teams available 24/7, including surgeons, critical care specialists, neurosurgeons, orthopedists, and more
- Diagnostic tools and treatments designed specifically for children’s bodies
- A family-centered approach to care, including support for parents and caregivers every step of the way
Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health is home to two leading centers:
- Jersey Shore University Medical Center: New Jersey’s first and only Level I pediatric trauma center, verified by the American College of Surgeons. This recognition represents the highest standard of total care for any injury, ensuring your child has access to immediate expertise and resources they need during life’s most challenging moments and after.
- Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center: A Level II pediatric trauma center and the only one in Bergen County
When Should You Go to a Pediatric Trauma Center?
In an emergency, the nearest ER is often the first stop. But when there’s time, and when the injury is serious, bringing your child to a pediatric trauma center can make a big difference.
Pediatric trauma centers provide:
- Immediate access to pediatric surgical, critical care, and rehabilitation specialists
- Child-sized equipment and care designed around growing bodies
- Faster diagnosis and treatment, reducing the risk of complications
Choosing a pediatric trauma center means your child’s care is focused on what works best for children, not just what works in general.
What to Expect During a Pediatric Trauma Visit
Every part of our trauma care environment is designed to help your child feel safe and supported and help you stay involved and informed.
At both of our pediatric trauma centers, we offer:
- 24/7 coverage by a board-certified trauma team
- Pediatric-trained specialists in emergency medicine, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology and radiology
- Critical imaging on site, including CT, MRI, and X-ray
- A helipad for fast transport of critically injured children
- Operating rooms ready for urgent pediatric surgery
- More than 200 pediatric subspecialists available for consultation
- Child-specific tools like specialized ultrasound equipment
Supporting Families from Emergency to Recovery
At Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health, we offer a seamless continuum of emergency medicine, supporting families before, during and after traumatic incidents.
When an injury does occur, our team is ready to deliver life-saving care. Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health offers advanced capabilities, including:
- Pediatric-focused emergency services
- Specialized trauma surgeons and critical care teams
- State-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat even the most complex injuries
We understand that a hospital stay can be challenging for families, which is why we provide amenities to make your time here as comfortable as possible. Each patient room includes a pull-out bed so parents can stay overnight with their child. Families also have access to a shower and laundry room, ensuring they have the essentials they need while supporting their child’s recovery.
Our child life specialists play a vital role in pediatric trauma care, offering emotional and psychological support from the moment a child enters the trauma bay through surgery, hospitalization and beyond. They help children cope with their experience through therapeutic play, education and emotional support – whether at the bedside, in the playroom or during medical procedures.
Healing doesn’t stop when your child is discharged. We’re here to support families long after a trauma occurs:
- Pediatric physical therapy, counseling, and follow-up appointments
- Trauma-specific support groups led by pediatric social workers
- Annual Trauma Survivors Day to celebrate children’s recovery journeys
Keeping Kids Safe Before Injuries Happen
Preventing injuries is just as important as treating them. Our team offers education and outreach programs to help parents, schools, and communities build safer environments for kids.
Topics include:
- Car seat safety checks and installation
- Bicycle helmets and sports safety tips
- Fall prevention, water safety, and pedestrian awareness
- Safe sleep practices for infants
- Teen driving education and “Stop the Bleed” programs
Our Locations
1945 Route 33, Neptune, NJ 07753
732-776-4949
Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center
30 Prospect Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601
551-996-2609
Pediatric Trauma FAQ: What to Know Before, During, and After a Visit
Why Choose Our Pediatric Trauma Centers?
Your child deserves access to the leading pediatric trauma specialists in the state. Choosing Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health for pediatric emergency medicine means you get:
