Battlefield to Bedside: Pediatric Remote Damage Control Resuscitation in Civilian Prehospital Care

Pediatric trauma remains a complex challenge in prehospital and transport medicine, particularly in remote or resource-limited environments. Military experience in Remote Damage Control Resuscitation (RDCR) has driven significant advancements in hemorrhage control, resuscitation strategies, and trauma system optimization—many of which can be adapted for civilian use.

This session will explore the epidemiology of pediatric trauma, key principles of damage control resuscitation, and emerging research surounding the use of blood products, transfusion adjunct therapies, and resuscitation goals in pediatric patients. Special emphasis will be placed on strategies for hemostatic resuscitation, hypothermia prevention, and monitoring techniques, all tailored to meet the physiologic and logistical challenges unique to children.

Through real-world case studies and data from both military and civilian trauma systems, we will highlight the challenges of applying RDCR principles in pediatric care, including system-level barriers, age-specific considerations, and resource constraints in the prehospital setting. Participants will leave with a practical framework for integrating battlefield-proven resuscitation techniques into civilian EMS, transport, and hospital-based care, ultimately improving pediatric trauma survival.

Whether you are a prehospital provider, transport clinician, or trauma team member, this session will provide evidence-based insights and tactical applications to help you refine your approach to pediatric damage control resuscitation and ensure that critically injured children receive the best possible care—no matter where they are.