Context Trauma centers benefit thousands of injured individuals every day and play a critical role in responding to disasters. The last full accounting of the number and distribution of trauma centers identified 471 trauma centers in the United States in 1991. Objective To determine the number and configuration of trauma centers and identify gaps in coverage.

Trauma care systems are valued and demonstrate potential for future expansion. However, economic shortfalls and retention of medical personnel threaten the viability of current systems across the U.S.