Irish medical journal
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In Europe injury is the leading cause of death in those aged between 1 and 14 years. In Ireland over 800,000 people are aged less than 14 years. There is currently no national trauma register to collect data on the morbidity and mortality associated with major trauma in the paediatric population in Ireland. ⋯ Road traffic accidents (n=69) and thermal injuries (n=49) represented the majority of admissions. 68% (n=47) of the vehicle occupants in this study were either unrestrained or incorrectly restrained. Most patients (n=133) had an in patient stay of <50 days, with only 4 patients staying >100 days. 14 patients died. A paediatric trauma register as well as a level 1 paediatric trauma centre are required in Ireland.