Assessment and Resuscitation in Paediatric Conflict Trauma

Description

This VTT captures a detailed presentation by Paul Reavley on addressing the challenges of treating children injured in conflict zones. The talk begins by highlighting the alarming number of children affected by conflict-related injuries worldwide, particularly in intense war zones where casualties are high. Reavley emphasizes the psychological barriers that hinder adult clinicians from treating pediatric trauma, advocating for a unified approach that leverages skills from both adult trauma and pediatric medicine.



He discusses a comprehensive manual created for managing pediatric blast injuries, which is available in multiple languages and can be accessed freely. The manual outlines injury assessment from point of injury to hospital discharge.



Reavley offers insight into pediatric triage systems used during mass casualty incidents and the complexities of prioritizing treatment based on resource availability. He underscores the importance of understanding the mechanisms of blast injuries, which can lead to severe trauma, particularly among children, including risks of burns and coagulopathy. He stresses that children may exhibit different physiological responses than adults, which requires careful monitoring and timely intervention.



The speaker details the management protocols for catastrophic hemorrhage in children, highlighting the importance of early fluid resuscitation and the careful use of blood products. He advocates for the use of imaging to identify hidden injuries and discusses pain management strategies tailored to pediatric patients, emphasizing the need for compassionate care and strong communication with both the child and their caregivers.



The presentation concludes with a call for healthcare providers to maintain a calm demeanor and use available resources for effective treatment, while reiterating the importance of not separating children from their caregivers during medical emergencies. Reavley encourages clinicians to apply their existing skills in a thoughtful manner to improve outcomes for injured children in high-stress environments.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-230056

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