Trauma is the most common cause of death in children over one year of age. Hypovolaemic shock is a life-threatening consequence following trauma. Hypovolaemia may be difficult to identify in children, with hypotension being a late and critical sign. Delayed capillary refill time is a useful clinical adjunct to identify hypovolaemic shock in children. This article reviews paediatric and neonatal maintenance and resuscitation fluid requirements. Fluid therapy is addressed in specific trauma circumstances including head injury, burns, and near drowning. Methods of gaining circulatory access and complications of fluid therapy are also discussed.
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