Prevention: the only cure for pediatric trauma.

In this age of modern medicine, one would like to believe that we have come far, but it is not so with pediatric trauma. Statistics remain frighteningly high with trauma as the leading cause of death in children. It affects 1 in every 3-4 children. Up to 22 million children suffer injuries every year. In 30 years, the statistic of 50% of all childhood deaths resulting from injuries has remained unchanged, but the number of injured children continues to climb. The cost to society is in the billions. Nurses can decrease morbidity and mortality in children by understanding common patterns of injury and educating parents and children about injury prevention.