Pediatric Trauma - Management of the Pediatric Trauma Patient

Airway


Goal: Adequate oxygenation and ventilation
  • Position the airway maintaining in-line cervical stabilization (modified jaw thrust)
  • Suction if needed
  • Assist ventilations with bag-mask device, OPA, NPA
    • Use a tongue blade to insert OPA
    • Do not place NPA if basilar skull fracture is suspected
  • Most pediatric patients can be managed with bag-mask ventilation (BMV)
Consider endotracheal intubation / extraglottic device if:
  • Not able to appropriately oxygenate and ventilate with BMV
  • Facial, neck, chest trauma
  • Patient is obtunded and not able to maintain airway


Cricothyrotomy
  • Not able to oxygenate and ventilate by other mechanism
  • Needle cricothyrotomy in < 12 years of age