[PedOncoDoc]

Originally Posted by Surgicalcric

Your question is one of triage at the root of it and so the decision on who and how many gets treated for "X" injuries occurs long before the first rotor or tire rolls out of the gate. As harsh as it sounds we can't carry everything for everyone so we carry supplies based on injuries expected over the largest demographic of patients. Triage truly should begin with patient demographic analysis (US, coalition, civilian - adult vs pediatric, enemy personnel) of the AO or target area. I am not talking about pulling up complex consensus reports but looking at places of worship or schools in or around the target area(s) and population density. If I am concerned about a high possibility of taking pediatric casualties I will toss a pediatric specific pouch in my extended care/evac bag but I don't usually carry any pediatric stuff in my assault bag. Pediatric specific supplies in my bag include airways: NPA & cuffed ETT for crics, IV cannulas and a buretrol, and a dosing chart tethered to the pouch.

As for CLS trained personnel and pediatric patients, MOO based on previous interaction with some is if there are casualties a CLS guys time would be much better spent working on the patient populace in which they trained instead of "winging it". I don't agree with the axiom that peds are little adults and get treated accordingly.

Hope that addresses your question.

Crip

Thanks Crip-

It's good to hear that you prepare for potential pediatric casualties if children are expected in the AO.

I firm thumbs up and agreement from me regarding "Children are not just little adults" physiologically, anatomically or otherwise.

One would think that tended to pediatric causalties would help with winning over hearts and minds of the current generation and the next...