Pediatric trauma. Part II: Development of an emergency care system.

Treatment of pediatric trauma begins at the moment of injury (with the arrival of the first person who assists the victim), continues through transport of the patient to the hospital and administration of definitive medical care, and concludes with a rehabilitation program that is aimed at returning the child to a pre-accident life-style. Community hospitals can reduce morbidity and mortality associated with pediatric trauma by implementing specific organizational concepts and procedures used at established pediatric trauma centers. These include swift and accurate assessment at the scene of the accident, pre-arrival coordination between rescue team and emergency room personnel, a preestablished contact network for essential hospital staff, emergency equipment in a broad range of sizes, and charts specifying pediatric dosages of necessary medications. Morbidity and mortality could be further reduced with a national system of comprehensive regional treatment centers designed specifically for children. PAs who are familiar with the specific needs of seriously injured children can significantly influence community and professional responses to this growing area of medicine.