Evaluation of a tiered trauma call system in a level 1 trauma centre.

Background: Appropriate triage of the trauma patient is essential to ensure prompt access to definitive care. Many trauma centres use a "tiered" trauma call protocol with the intention of providing a match between the facility's resources and the needs of the patient. This study describes the incidence and impact of undertriage on the trauma patient in the context of an Australian level 1 trauma centre with a tiered trauma call system.