A retrospective analysis of all paediatric patients admitted to Camp Bastion Role 3 between June 2006 and March 2013 was conducted from the UK trauma database. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, anatomical distribution of injury and treatment are described.

Two hundred and ninety eight children were admitted, 225 males with a median age of 9 years old. The highest number of cases (78) was recorded in 2011. Overall there were 55 fatalities (85.6% male). Most injuries were by IED (68% of cases) with 74% requiring operative intervention. Seventy-four percent of casualties had three or more anatomical regional injuries. Whilst the most commonly injured region was the lower limb (78%), head injuries were seen in 41%, abdominal injuries in 48% and thorax injuries in 44%. Debridement (including amputations) (59.4%) and laparotomy (30.6%) were the commonest operations performed. Sixty percent of cases were in theatre within one hour of arrival. Amongst survivors the mean ISS score was 17 and amongst fatalities 43; NISS 22 and 51; RTS 5.45 and 2.91.

Paediatric blast injuries represent a significant burden to medical facilities in contemporary conflict. Whilst limb injuries predominate, the proportion of head and torso injuries is higher than seen in adult blast injuries.