Pediatric trauma.

Although the pathophysiology of trauma is the same in all ages, the injured child presents special problems in regard to vascular access, airway control, and the greater vulnerability of certain organs to injury. Special guidelines are given regarding the technical aspects of circulatory support and airway management. Selective early use of MAST is stressed. Evaluation of each organ system is designed to facilitate progressive decision making, particularly in regard to when an injured child should be taken to the operating room and when he should be treated conservatively.