For a 3-year-old girl who falls from a third-story window but is stable, which trauma center should she be transported to according to the state's Trauma Point of Entry Plan?

The appropriate choice for transporting a 3-year-old girl who has fallen from a third-story window, but is stable, is to a Level III Trauma Center. According to Massachusetts State EMT protocols, pediatric patients who experience significant trauma should be transported to facilities that are equipped to handle their specific needs.

A Level III Trauma Center has the capabilities necessary for managing many trauma cases, including those involving children. While it may not have the full range of specialized services that a Level 1 Trauma Center has, it can still provide adequate care for stable patients with major injuries. This makes it suitable for this scenario, given the girl’s current stable condition following her fall, as immediate stabilization and assessment can begin.

Choosing the closest Level III Trauma Center ensures that the patient is transported to a facility that can provide proper trauma care without unnecessary delays. Other options, like transporting to the nearest facility regardless of trauma center status, may not guarantee appropriate care. A Level 1 Trauma Center, while ideal for critical cases, is not the protocol for stable patients when a Level III is nearby. Lastly, a Certified Stroke Center does not specialize in trauma care, making it an inappropriate choice for this situation.