Practical issues in the care of pediatric trauma patients.

Childhood injuries are a preventable problem that continue to occur with alarming frequency. The pediatrician has a broad role in the prevention and treatment of injuries. When primary prevention fails, trauma care providers must recognize that an injured child is a unique patient who requires special considerations. Use of an organized approach will assure that injuries are not missed. The care of an injured child presents pediatricians with a tremendous responsibility. Injury prevention presents the pediatrician with a formidable challenge.