Why Do We Tolerate the Highs and the Lows? Pediatric Trauma Triage

Monday, October 23, 2023

13:15 – 13:35 East Coast USA Time

Location: Room A122/123

Main Presenter(s)

Jennifer Wheeler, MPH, BS, FP-C, C-NPT

Base Manager and Clinical Educator
Boston MedFlight
Milton, Massachusetts, United States

Disclosure(s):

Jennifer Wheeler, MPH, BS, FP-C, C-NPT: No financial relationships to disclose

This short talk will focus on the disparity between adult and pediatric trauma management. Why do we tolerate the high's of pediatric trauma with long times to definitive trauma care, high pain levels, and agitation? And, why do we tolerate the lows of perfusion states and minimal management? In 20 minutes, we will talk about why this dichotomy exists and by the end discuss strategies to bring a culture change to the emergency transport industry.

Learning Objectives:

Define at least one difference in the triage of adult vs. pediatric trauma patients.
List at least two ways to manage pain in the pediatric patient.
Describe at least three criteria to transport a pediatric trauma patient to a pediatric trauma center.