Gunshot injuries in children

James Valentine, Sterling Blocker, Jack H.T. Chang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ninety consecutive patients between 2 and 15 years of age sustaining gunshot wounds were analyzed and a management algorithm evolved. Key management steps included fluid resuscitation in the field by trained paramedical personnel and recognition of the severity of the wound when large-caliber or shotgun injuries were encountered. Arteriograms were most helpful in locating vascular injuries; venograms were inaccurate. Morbidity was directly related to missile size and impact area, and to the number of organs injured. Any hospitalization beyond 2 weeks’ duration should have social service, home-bound school service, psychiatry, and physical therapy in consultation. During a 5-year period only two of the 90 patients died secondary to hemorrhagic shock.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)952-956
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Trauma - Injury, Infection and Critical Care
Volume24
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1984
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Gunshot injuries in children'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this