Information for the public
The care team
A range of professionals who specialise in different areas of treatment or support are involved in caring for people with major trauma. They may be part of an ambulance team or a member of a trauma team in the hospital and can include paramedics and other ambulance staff, doctors, nurses, people who take X‑rays and scans (radiographers), and surgeons.
Major trauma centres and trauma units
People with major trauma should usually be taken to a hospital that has a major trauma centre. Sometimes quick emergency treatment is needed at a hospital with a trauma unit before the person is moved to the major trauma centre.
Working with people who have major trauma
If a person has been seriously injured a member of the care team should talk to them about their injuries and explain any tests or treatments as soon as possible. Families or carers can be involved in helping to make decisions, but only if the person agrees. Parents or carers may be involved in helping to make decisions for children.
NICE has also produced information for the public on what adults should be able to expect when they use the NHS. We also have more information on the NICE website about using health and social care services.
Some treatments or care described here may not be suitable for everyone who has had a major trauma. If someone thinks that the treatment given does not match this advice, they should talk to their care team.