AAP Offers Recommendations to Improve Pediatric Trauma Care

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. — It is estimated that one in four children sustain an unintentional injury requiring medical care each year. The direct cost of childhood injury is more than $50 billion annually. To ensure children receive appropriate pediatric care for their injuries, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its policy statement, “Management of Pediatric Trauma,” which appeared in the August 2016 issue of Pediatrics.

The updated recommendations state that children’s needs should be part of trauma systems and disaster planning, and that states should identify which facilities have the resources needed to care for injured children, especially the youngest children and those severely injured. The report also emphasizes the importance of pediatric specialty transport teams and emergency medical services having pediatric equipment on board. Having only adult-size equipment available makes treating pediatric emergencies more difficult and can reduce the likelihood of positive outcomes for these children.