Trauma is the main cause of death of paediatric patients older than one year. Children present anatomical and physiological differences with respect to adults which affect clinical presentation, management and potential complications. Initial management is based on the ABCDE trauma sequence that includes assessment of airway, breathing, circulation, neurological deficit, and exposure. Establishing an adequate line of communication with the patient´s family is fundamental during this initial evaluation. Once the patient stabilized, the secondary survey is carried out in order to detect occult lesions and treat specific medical conditions.
Key words: pediatric trauma, airway management, initial survey |
