Pediatric Trauma - Management of the Pediatric Trauma Patient

Shock and Fluid Resuscitation


  • Vascular access via IV or IO
    • Perform en route to minimize scene times
  • Goal-directed IVF boluses of 20ml/kg of crystalloid to maintain SBP above lowest acceptable level by age
  • Reassess blood pressure after every bolus
    • Crystalloid has no oxygen-carrying capacity, dilutes coagulation factors, and may disrupt clots
    • Only amount necessary to maintain adequate perfusion
  • Keep trauma patients warm
    • hypotensive + core temperature < 34° C = higher mortality rate