PROJECT SUMMARY
We propose a multi-disciplinary conference led by a group of international experts focused on the current state
of the art in pediatric traumatic hemorrhagic shock that will produce consensus statements on best practice
based on the current literature. Consensus statements will also be generated to establish research priorities
that include optimal methods of dissemination and implementation of high quality pediatric data to allow for the
efficient change of clinical practice when appropriate. Consensus statements will be developed via a highly
structured process to include the Delphi Method. A panel of 21 international experts (USA, Canada, Europe,
Israel) that represent trauma surgery, transfusion medicine, hematology, anesthesia, critical care, and
emergency medicine will form the consensus committee. Topics to be discussed include epidemiology and
outcomes, biologic consequences of hemorrhagic shock, laboratory identification of hemorrhagic shock,
transfusion strategies for both prehospital and in-hospital, consequences of crystalloid and colloid
resuscitation, permissive hypotension, use of intravenous and mechanical hemostatic adjuncts, developing
structured multicenter data collection tools to facilitate research, and methods for consensus generation. The
conference will also lead to the generation of a multidisciplinary research network focused on the resuscitation
of pediatric traumatic hemorrhagic shock. A similar network of investigators does not exist. The ability to bring
together international leaders in pediatric trauma resuscitation and initiate a research network will accelerate
the generation of many clinical trials in this field. To encourage trainees, and prehospital care providers
(military medics and civilian paramedics) to participate in this conference reduced registration and travel
awards will be available.