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Significant thoracic trauma in the pediatric population is relatively
uncommon, accounting for only 4% to 6% of children admitted to
pediatric trauma centers, although this proportion may be higher in
level 1 centers.
Despite a high rate of scene fatalities, mortality rates for children who
reach the hospital with isolated thoracic trauma are low; this rate triples
when thoracic trauma occurs concurrently with head or abdominal
trauma.
Blunt trauma occurs far more frequently than penetrating trauma and
lung injuries outnumber those to the heart and great vessels.
Emergency evaluation requires careful observation and examination for
evidence of impaired respiration or circulation, including any abnormal
vital signs.
Be prepared to immediately secure the airway and support breathing
and circulation.
Most thoracic injuries do not require intervention and those that do
most commonly require only tube thoracostomy.
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