Due to the small number of polytraumatized children treated in single clinics, only a few studies are available that compare multiply injured children and adults. However, the differences between the two groups with respect to type of injury, injury patterns and pathophysiology may have some crucial effect on the clinical course and are therefore essential for the treatment regime. In this study data about the epidemiology, the preclinical treatment, the clinical course and the complication rates of polytraumatized children and adults were analysed. The aim of this study was to point out the main differences between the two collectives and to compare the results with the current literature. Traffic accidents were the leading cause for trauma (children 77.8%, adults 62.6%). Children more often were transported by helicopter than adults. In both age groups head injuries and fractures of the extremities were most frequent. Adults had a prolonged ventilation time as well as an increased stay in ICU and a regular ward.
