Preventing pediatric cardiothoracic trauma: Role of policy and legislation

Abstract

Data from the last 50 years suggest that pediatric patients typically suffer cardiothoracic injuries following blunt traumatic force (70%) in the setting of either motor vehicle crashes (53.5%) or vehicle-pedestrian accidents (18.2%). Penetrating trauma accounts for 30% of pediatric cardiothoracic injuries, half of which are gunshot wounds. Graduated driver licensing programs, gun-control legislation, off-road vehicle regulation, initiatives such as "Prevent the Bleed", as well as professional society recommendations are key in preventing pediatric cardiothoracic injuries.