In January 2024, following the first snowfall of the year, a trauma call came in for a 10-year-old child who had sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of a sledding accident. As the child was being rushed to Cooper for life-saving care, a second call came in reporting another child with a TBI from a separate sledding incident.

Cooper asked us to help document this critical moment in their work. We conducted in-depth interviews with several physicians, nurses, and other essential team members who were involved in the care of both children that day. Through these interviews, we were able to capture not only the urgency and complexity of treating traumatic brain injuries in pediatric patients but also the immense dedication and expertise that the Cooper medical staff brings to every case. Their reflections provided a firsthand look at the teamwork and quick decision-making required in such high-stakes situations.

This project allowed us to showcase the skill, compassion, and coordination that goes into handling trauma cases at Cooper, while also highlighting the human stories behind the medical care.