Initial Management of Pediatric Trauma

Multiple traumas is the leading cause of death and disability in children. There are fewer resources and less attention to the treatment of an injured child compared with that of an injured adult. There is no pediatric trauma center in Korea. Insufficient training and lack of experience in the management of injured children may be the key factors that contribute to children disability and deaths. Primary survey in pediatric trauma does not differ from that in adult trauma, and the basic concepts of advanced life support that have been used for adults remain applicable and critical for injured children. We need to remember the differences in physiology, anatomy of the airway, response to blood loss, thermoregulation, and special equipment for successful resuscitation. Thus, we need to pay close attention to the initial approach for pediatric trauma patients. This review provides the basis for strategies of initial management of pediatric trauma: Airway and cervical spine protection, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure and environmental control.