What action should be taken for patients over 20 weeks pregnant who meet trauma alert criteria?

For patients who are over 20 weeks pregnant and meet trauma alert criteria, transporting them to a Trauma/OB Hospital is crucial because these facilities are equipped to handle both traumatic injuries and obstetric emergencies. This dual capability is essential, as the care for a pregnant trauma patient includes both trauma management and considerations for the fetus.

In a Trauma/OB Hospital, specialized teams are available, including trauma surgeons and obstetricians, ensuring that both the mother and the unborn child receive appropriate and timely care. This is particularly important because pregnant patients can have unique complications and physiological responses to trauma that require specific interventions.

When patients are transported to a standard emergency department, there may be a lack of immediate obstetric support, which could delay critical care for both the mother and fetus. Similarly, delaying transport for evaluation can lead to increased risks for both parties, as timely intervention is vital in trauma cases. Transporting to any nearby facility does not guarantee that the standards of care required for such dual needs will be met, which could compromise patient outcomes. Therefore, the best course of action is to transport to a Trauma/OB Hospital.