Guide to paediatric trauma

Trauma continues to be the most common cause of death in children after the first six months of life, accounting for many paediatric hospital admissions in both Australia and overseas. Few would dispute the importance of this topic to the health of children, yet it is an area beyond the comfort zone of many doctors and allied health professionals, even those experienced in dealing with adult trauma patients or children with other diseases. Armed with appropriate information, many clinicians will at least feel better able to face a challenging situation when it arises.