Pediatric Trauma - Management of the Pediatric Trauma Patient

Abdominal Injury


  • High potential for abdominal injuries with multi-system trauma
    • Vertebral fractures are often associated with abdominal wall bruising (up to 50% of patients)
  • Management is usually supportive care and immediate transport
  • Cover eviscerations with moist sterile dressings
  • Secure any impaled objects in place, do not attempt to remove unless it interferes with CPR
  • The abdomen and retroperitoneal space can hold large volumes of occult blood