The pediatric resuscitative thoracotomy during combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan - A retrospective cohort study

We observed a trend towards higher survival among subjects that underwent a resuscitative thoracotomy survived to hospital discharge compared to subjects undergoing CPR without thoracotomy. The literature will benefit from further data to confirm an association between this procedure and a survival benefit among pediatric subjects in the resource limited setting. Furthermore, improvements in documentation will guide equipping and training providers expected to care for pediatric trauma patients.