The pattern of paediatric trauma on operations

Area of Science:

• Military Medicine
• Paediatric Trauma
• Operational Health

Background:

• British military medical facilities have treated children injured during recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Understanding current paediatric trauma patterns is crucial for future medical care development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the patterns of paediatric trauma in children treated by British medical facilities during recent military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Main Methods:

• Data on paediatric trauma patients (under 16) from March 2003 to August 2009 was obtained from the Joint Theatre Trauma Registry.
• Information collected included patient demographics, theatre of operation, injury mechanism and type, trauma scores, and destination.

Main Results:

• 176 children were treated, with 83.5% from Afghanistan and 16.5% from Iraq. Overall survival was 88.6%.
• Explosive devices were the primary cause of injury (59.1%), significantly higher in Afghanistan (63.5%) than Iraq (27.6%).
• Males constituted 66.5% of admissions, with the 6-8 year age group being most common. Injury Severity Scores indicated a mix of minor and severe injuries.

Conclusions:

• Paediatric trauma treatment in deployed British medical facilities is expected to continue.
• Analysis of injury patterns informs training needs and logistical requirements for paediatric care.
• Adaptations in data collection are necessary to meet the specific needs of paediatric patients, an ongoing effort by Defence Medical Services.