Welcome to part 8 of the Trauma & Burn Anesthesia Series. In this episode, we take a broad look at special populations in trauma anesthesia—pregnant, pediatric, and geriatric patients. Each of these groups presents unique physiologic challenges, risk factors, and perioperative considerations that require anesthesia providers to adapt their trauma management strategies. From managing airway swelling and aspiration risk in pregnant patients, to balancing fluid resuscitation and minimizing radiation exposure in children, to mitigating postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction in older adults, this episode offers a high-level overview of principles you can apply in clinical practice. Because each of these populations deserves a deeper dive, we’ve included links in the show notes to key articles and guidelines so you can explore further on your own. In future episodes, we’ll dedicate entire discussions to each special population for a more detailed breakdown. Join us as we highlight essential principles and considerations for trauma anesthesia providers caring for these vulnerable groups.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Pregnant Patients:

• Guidelines for the Management of Pregnant Trauma Patients (Jain, 2015)
• Trauma in the Obstetric Patient: A Bedside Tool (ACEP)

Pediatrics:

• Initial assessment and management of pediatric trauma patients (McFadyen, 2012)

Geriatrics:

• Perioperative Management of the Geriatric Trauma Patient (Muldowney, 2025)
• Trauma in the elderly patient (Atinga, 2018)

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