Pediatric trauma is one of the leading causes of death among children. Often it is caused by accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Usually in the case of pediatric trauma, a child has multiple injuries which require medical aid. Read on to learn more about this topic. If you’re looking for expert pediatric trauma services in Kollam, Kerala, contact us to ensure your child gets help as soon as possible.
What is Pediatric Trauma?
When a child is seriously injured due to some accident, fall or abuse, it is called a pediatric trauma case. Children can be easily hurt when playing or when they are out and about. Usually pediatric trauma involves head injuries as well as multiple injuries. It is considered one of the leading causes of disability and death for children. Despite being very careful, parents can’t always save their children from traumatic injuries.
What to do about Pediatric Trauma?
If your child has suffered a pediatric trauma case, you need to get them to a hospital as soon as possible. Even pre-hospital care is important so do your best to take knowledgeable steps. Call a doctor or medical professional if you’re not sure about how to get the right help. The sooner the child is in the hands of an expert pediatric surgeon, the better are their chances of survival and recovery.
What to expect in a Pediatric Trauma case?
Each case of pediatric trauma is different. Mostly, your child will be seen by a pediatrician or a pediatric surgeon. After a primary survey, they will undertake initial resuscitation and try to stabilize the child. After that, is the secondary survey, in which they will assess the state of the patient and what steps have to be taken. This can be followed by whatever emergency care the child needs. That is followed by definitive care where the patient is put in PICU (pediatric intensive care unit) for further treatment and recovery).
What are the common Pediatric Trauma injuries?
While each case will be different from the next, children can often get hurt in similar ways. Some of the common areas of injury are:
Head & Neck – Any major injury to this area can cause bruising, lacerations, compound or depressed fractures, cerebrospinal fluid leak, retrograde amnesia, etc. The pediatric surgeon will often need a CT scan to help them see the full extent of damage.
Limbs – Children can often get badly injured in their arms or legs. However, these are often not life-threatening. Pelvic injuries are less common in children. If the fracture is open, there is some danger due to blood loss.
Abdomen – Abdominal trauma cases can often go undetected in children. Due to this, it is a common cause behind preventable death. Most of these injuries can be handled without surgery if you get help in time.
Chest – Chest injuries are a leading cause of death in trauma cases. Because children’s ribs are more elastic, the impact can reach the inner organs. Blunt trauma in this region needs to be attended to as quickly as possible.
Spinal Cord – These injuries are rarer in small children but can still happen. Children usually have more spinal mobility so they can absorb the impact of injury better than adults. If injury does happen, it’s usually in the upper spinal region.
We hope this article has given you some insight into pediatric trauma. Remember that even the most caring and protective parents can’t prevent all injuries. It is important to not blame yourself and to do what is best for your child. If you need experienced pediatric trauma service in Kollam, Kerala, please contact us or visit our hospital to find out how to handle your child’s injuries.