The saying “children are not just little adults” may be most relevant to the care of the injured child. Injuries account for more deaths among children 1-18 years of age than all other causes combined. Because variation exists in the availability and accessibility of pediatric specialty services across the U.S., effective trauma systems are required to provide optimal care to injured children. Certain metropolitan areas have multiple level-1 trauma centers within close proximity, while other rural areas are hundreds of miles from the nearest pediatric trauma center.
The core components of inclusive and comprehensive trauma systems are described in this month’s issue of Pediatrics (peds.2016-1569). This new policy statement reviews how pediatric trauma systems function best when EMS providers, physicians, other caregivers, and hospitals participate collaboratively in the management of the injured child. They review how communication and teamwork among local and regional trauma systems allow for earlier recognition of critical injuries and improved outcomes in children.
The article discusses how access to pediatric specialty equipment, resources, and education are central to the core mission of improving care for the pediatric trauma victim. They recommend that pediatric referral centers should provide continuing education for EMS providers and non-pediatric trauma centers to ensure that children are appropriately stabilized prior to transfer. Lastly, the article highlights that injury prevention should be the primary focus of any healthcare system seeking to improve outcomes for injured children.
The article outlines 16 recommendations for the care of injured children at the pre-hospital, hospital, regional, state and national levels. Read this article to learn more.
