Pediatric Trauma - Management of the Pediatric Trauma Patient

Shock and Fluid Resuscitation


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  • Most common type of shock in trauma
  • Children are highly susceptible
  • May not occur until the degree of shock is profound and is a late marker
  • Other physiologic signs:
    • Caution:
      • Altered mental status
      • Altered respiratory status
      • Persistent tachycardia
      • Capillary refill > 2 seconds, cool and pale skin
  • Commonly due to tension pneumothorax & cardiac tamponade
  • Relieve obstruction via needle decompression / pericardiocentesis
  • Occurs after spinal cord injury (usually above T6)
  • Hypotension with normal or low heart rate (due to vasodilation and loss of sympathetic tone)
  • Skin warm and dry versus cool and moist
  • Treat with IVF and sympathomimetics (e.g. Dopamine)