Preparing for Paediatric Casualties

Description

This presentation by Steve Bree focuses on practical strategies for managing pediatric patients within medical facilities, especially in emergency situations. Key objectives include optimizing facility preparedness, addressing the clinical treatment of children, and effectively managing the emotional well-being of medical colleagues involved in pediatric care. Throughout the session, Bree highlights the emotional impact of pediatric injuries on both healthcare providers and families, using impactful clinical case examples to illustrate the nature of injuries and the importance of prompt intervention.



Bree emphasizes the need for immediate sedation for seriously injured pediatric patients to alleviate stress for both the child and medical staff, facilitating thorough examination and necessary interventions while ensuring warmth is maintained to prevent hypothermia. He discusses the unique challenges posed by pediatric casualties, including their physiological differences compared to adults, and advocates for tailored training and equipment specific to child care.



The presenter also covers the critical steps during the resuscitation of a child, advocating for clear team organization through command huddles and snap briefs to maintain focus on patient safety and care. He discusses protocols for managing major hemorrhage and the importance of early transfusion of blood products, while stressing the principle of 'first do no harm' to avoid complications from over-transfusion. Bree concludes with the reminder that success in pediatric trauma care relies not only on clinical skills but also on maintaining effective team communication and emotional support within the medical team.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-230055

Specialties