This interactive lecture explores the prehospital care of the pediatric trauma patient. Most principles of adult trauma management can be effectively and safely applied to children, although modifications in assessment related to differences in mechanisms of injury, anatomy, and physiologic responses are necessary. Between infancy and adulthood, trauma is the most common cause of death. About 80 to 90% of pediatric trauma involves a blunt mechanism. This differs from the adult population, where there is a higher incidence of penetrating injuries.
After completing this course, the practitioner will be able to:
Identify unique characteristics of the child as a trauma patient including:
Injury patterns
Anatomic and physiologic characteristics
Long-term effects
Describe assessment and management of critical injuries in children.
Practitioners who successfully complete the Traumatic Injuries of the Child (ALS Edition) course are eligible for 1 hour of continuing education
