OA2800 Paediatric Trauma: Current Approaches

Abstract Background Trauma remains a leading cause of death and disability in children. Effective initial assessment and structured management are vital to survival and recovery. Objectives To present current principles of pediatric trauma care and highlight educational strategies that improve systematic assessment and intervention. Results Early recognition of life-threatening conditions—catastrophic haemorrhage, severe head injury, airway obstruction, tension pneumothorax, massive hemothorax, flail chest, and cardiac tamponade—is critical. Immediate interventions such as airway stabilisation, tranexamic acid administration, massive haemorrhage protocol, chest decompression, and pelvic stabilisation can be lifesaving. Abdominal trauma requires prompt imaging and tailored surgical or conservative management. Head injury is the most common cause of pediatric trauma mortality; prevention of secondary brain injury through oxygenation, blood pressure control, ICP management, and timely neurosurgical intervention is essential. Cervical spine and spinal cord injury must always be suspected until excluded. Simulation-based training, adherence to protocols, and multidisciplinary coordination have demonstrated measurable benefits in team performance and patient outcomes. Conclusions Systematic <C> ABCDE assessment, early targeted interventions, and structured training programs reduce preventable deaths in pediatric trauma. Head injury and haemorrhage remain the leading killers. Training and simulation improve clinician performance and outcomes. Education, focusing on rapid recognition, decision-making, and teamwork, bridges gaps between knowledge and practice. Key messages • Pediatric trauma care must follow a structured <C> ABCDE approach. • Life-threatening conditions require rapid, protocol-driven interventions Topic Paediatric trauma, Life-threatening, Structured approach