Epidemiology and Unique Characteristics Injury is the leading cause of death and disability in children, surpassing all major diseases. While management priorities (ABCDEs) mirror those of adults, pediatric care requires adjustments for unique anatomy and physiology. Children have a smaller body mass, meaning impact forces are applied per smaller unit of body area, often damaging multiple organs. Their skeletons are incompletely calcified and pliable; consequently, internal organ damage, such as pulmonary contusion, can occur without overlying bone fractures. Additionally, a child's disproportionately large head increases the frequency of blunt brain injuries. The high ratio of body surface area to mass makes children highly susceptible to hypothermia, which can complicate resuscitation.

Airway and Breathing