Experentia Et Progressus: An Experiential Needs Assessment of Military Health care Providers in Treating Pediatric Combat Trauma.

This article focuses on assessing the preparedness of U.S. military medical personnel to care for pediatric combat trauma casualties during deployment. A survey of 84 active duty and reservist healthcare providers revealed that only 27% felt confident in resuscitating pediatric patients, with low confidence attributed to challenges in pediatric medication dosing, anatomical and physiological differences, lack of experience, and insufficient pediatric-specific equipment. Nearly all respondents with pediatric combat experience requested additional pediatric-specific predeployment training, including hands-on education and stronger military-civilian trauma center partnerships, while many also reported inadequate emotional support following adverse pediatric events. The findings highlight significant gaps in pediatric trauma readiness and suggest that enhanced training, resources, and mental health support are needed to improve pediatric casualty care and reduce mortality in combat settings.