Pediatric trauma--unique considerations in evaluating and treating children.

In Minnesota, accidental traumatic injury remains the leading cause of death and disability among people ages 1 through middle age. Trauma care providers who treat children must be aware of fundamental differences between pediatric patients and adults. The intent of this article is to provide readers with a primer on some of the clinical issues surrounding the anatomy and physiology of children, the key aspects of pediatric triage, and current perspectives on early treatment of children with traumatic injuries.