Characteristics of a trauma paediatric patient transported by emergency medical services: a retrospective analysis

INTRODUCTION: Injuries represent a widespread health problem worldwide and are the leading cause of both mortality and morbidity among children worldwide. This study examines the temporal trends of injured children transported by ambulance with the retrospective analysis of prehospital medical treatment and care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed all trauma patients transported by ambulance to the Emergency Department in the Paediatric Teaching Hospital of the University Clinical Centre of the Medical University of Warsaw in 2021. Analysis was restricted to a cohort of patients with arrival in ambulances before hospitalisation. A total of 981 patients met these criteria and were included in the analysis. Patient data was analyzed with respect of age, gender, location of the event, trauma mechanism, presence of alcohol or recreational drugs, suspicion of suicide, localisation and character of trauma, vital signs, signs and symptoms, pain assessment, treatment and procedures, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. The relationships between the variables were examined using the dependence χ2 test, while the strength was investigated using the Cramer’s V coefficient. RESULTS: Males comprised 58% of the patient population, with a predominance in all age groups. Head trauma was the most frequently diagnosed injury. Accidents were the primary cause of injury, occurring frequently both in domestic and public settings. The specific cause of the injury varied according to the age and gender. A slightly higher volume of patients was observed on weekends and during the day compared to weekdays and regular business hours. Most of the injured children were transported by paramedic emergency medical services. Pain (66.36%) was the most prevalent symptom, followed by bleeding (18.04%). Approximately 6.12% of the patients required hospitalisation for at least 24 hours. The relationship between the child's age and the mechanism of the injuries is statistically significant [χ2 = 290,144; degrees of freedom (df) = 27; p < 0,05] and the association is medium [Cramer’s V coefficient = 0,314]. The relationship between the child's gender and the mechanism of injuries is statistically significant [χ2 = 37,844; degrees of freedom (df) = 9; p < 0,05]. CONCLUSIONS: Severe injuries in children are rare. Boys experience more injuries than girls. A significant portion of injuries occur at home. The mechanism of injury is correlated with age group and gender, but falls from height are the most common. Peak times are during the day and in the summer months, which should be taken into account for personnel planning. The improvement of the safety of children must continue.