Pediatric polytraumatized

Trauma is a major global health problem; it is the main cause of death in children and adolescents and is a frequent reason for consultation in emergency medical services. In the pediatric age group, trauma is defined as the damage received by a child as a consequence of exposure to a concentration of mechanical, thermal, electrical, chemical or radiant energy that exceeds the child's physiological tolerance range.

Among the most frequent causes of trauma are motor vehicle traffic accidents, falls, drowning, traumatic injuries caused by interpersonal aggression—especially in older children and adolescents—, among others.

In minors, multiple organ injuries predominate; this is common because children present anatomical and physiological differences in relation to adults and are more vulnerable. Their general and hemodynamic condition deteriorates rapidly, and they suffer serious complications that require urgent attention.

In this sense, it is vital that health professionals know and take into account the specific characteristics of this age group that require special and immediate care during trauma care in order to ensure greater child survival.