Prehospital Management of Pediatric Trauma

A limited body of literature about pediatric prehospital trauma care exists to date. Topics that have been studied include delaying transport to initiate treatment on-scene, the use of advanced life support or basic life support resources, identifying high-risk pediatric trauma patients, optimal airway management, obtaining intravenous or intraosseous access, immobilization of the cervical spine, optimal management of traumatic brain injury, and the assessment and management of pain. Translating the best available evidence into clinical practice is important to providing quality prehospital pediatric trauma care. This article will review the literature regarding the risks and benefits of various aspects of pediatric trauma care in the prehospital setting.

Keywords: pediatric trauma, intravenous access, intraosseous access, cervical spine immobilization, traumatic brain injury, prehospital care, airway, emergency medical services