Pediatric trauma management in low-resource emergency departments: from first contact to safe disposition – a narrative review

Abstract

Outcomes associated with pediatric trauma in LMICs can be improved through context-adapted approaches that move beyond direct replication of high-resource protocols. We advocate for the adoption and validation of "Pediatric Trauma-Lite" models simplified, scalable pathways that empower frontline providers with knowledge of what can be done immediately, what can be safely improvised, and what requires urgent transfer. Global and national leadership must prioritize the development, implementation, and evaluation of these context-appropriate trauma systems.