Pediatric Trauma - Management of the Pediatric Trauma Patient
Thoracic Injury
Injuries to the thorax is the second leading cause of trauma death in children. Early recognition and appropriate management is critical to patient outcome.
Management considerations:
Administer supplemental oxygen if a thoracic injury is suspected and assist ventilations if necessary
Apply a 3 sided occlusive dressing of any open injury to the torso and assess for tension pneumothorax
Identify flail segments and splint with dressing/tape (use caution to not restrict breathing)
Secure any impaled objects in place, do not attempt to remove unless it interferes with CPR
Attach cardiac monitor and assess for dysrhythmias