Referral pathways: Major trauma (adult)
Guideline number: QH-GDL-971
Effective date: 07 July 2026
Review date: 07 July 2029
Supersedes: V1.0
Queensland Health is committed to provide timely, equitable and high-quality care for patients who suffer traumatic injuries in Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Patient retrievals and transfers following major traumatic incidents are of a highly complex and urgent nature. Clear, defined referral pathways support access to appropriate specialist care. This guideline provides recommendations regarding best practice to support referral pathways for major trauma patients across Queensland and Northern New South Wales and is intended to be used as a supplement to the Patient Access to Care Health Service Directive.(1) Appendix 1 outlines background information on the Queensland trauma system that supports this guideline.