Pediatric Strangulation: What the Forensic Nurse Needs to Know

This pediatric strangulation training course equips forensic nurses with the knowledge and clinical skills needed to recognize, assess, and document strangulation in infants, children, and adolescents. Emphasis is placed on pediatric anatomy and physiology, mechanisms of injury, delayed and subtle symptom presentation, and the high lethality risk associated with neck compression. Through case-based scenarios, participants will strengthen critical thinking related to medical evaluation, trauma-informed care, evidence-based documentation, and mandatory reporting obligations.

The course also addresses forensic implications, interdisciplinary collaboration, patient safety planning, and discharge teaching to support accurate identification, intervention, and protection of vulnerable pediatric patients. Included is a 34 page, evidence-based, and peer-reviewed Pediatric Supplemental Guideline available for download to help promote the continuing education and development of the highly specialized skills necessary for effective assessment and evaluation of a pediatric patient who has experienced abuse and/or neglect. Upon completion of this course, the learner will receive 1.5 CEs. 

Objectives:

1. Describe differences in anatomy, mechanism of injury, symptoms & findings that may be present in a child after strangulation
2. Identify evidence-based clinical tools and resources available for the evaluation of the child or adolescent who has been strangled
3. Critically analyze case examples that include a history of strangulation in children