OA2999 Severe Injuries in Children: Burns and Choking

Abstract Issue/Problem Severe injuries remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood, with burns and choking representing two of the most preventable yet devastating events, especially in those aged 5 years or younger. Pediatric burns often lead not only to medical emergencies but also to long-term functional, psychological, and social impairment. The consequences of choking range from transient or long-standing symptoms to sudden, fatal airway obstruction. Description: Despite major advances in acute care, around 830,000 children die annually from unintentional injuries. Prevention remains the most effective strategy to reduce incidence, severity and optimize outcomes. Results Choking incidents may not be witnessed. Depending on the location (airway or intestinal compromise) and the type of foreign body (e.g battery, magnet), clinical management differs, and sometimes urgent removal is required. Pediatric burns according to thickness and the surface require specific care in designated burn centers. Outcomes for severely burned children are generally poor, not only due to multi-organ failure and life-threatening complications, but also because of the profoundly reduced long-term quality of life. However, the recent introduction of new safety standards has led to a reduction in occurrences, achieved through stricter marketing regulations and the promotion of preventative bundles. The key strategies for preventing such unintentional injuries are a combination of environmental and behavior modification, that can be achieved through enforcement and education. Lessons Effective prevention requires a comprehensive, multifaceted approach to enhance health services to implement prevention measures and support rehabilitation when unintentional injuries occur. Key messages • Increased awareness, implementation of prevention strategies and public education and counseling remain the cornerstone for minimizing incidence and severity in pediatric burns and choking. Topic children, choking, burns