Summary

• Trauma Management begins with addressing life threatening conditions during the ABCDEs.
• Treatment priorities in traumatic brain injury include maintaining the patient normotensive, well oxygenated and reducing ICP.
• Ensure use of appropriately sized equipment when performing spinal immobilization to maintain a neutral spine position.
• Treat thoracic and abdominal injuries appropriately and remember that the chest, abdomen and pelvis can hold large volumes of blood.
• Splint extremity injuries to reduce further injury and decrease pain. Examine distal perfusion, motor strength and sensation before and after placing a splint.
• Managing the psychological stress of the child and the caretakers is an important component of effective patient management in trauma.