The majority of spinal cord injuries which affect children occur in the cervical area, it has been asserted.
Commenting in a paper on the EMS Responder website, Dr Jeremy DeWall explained the reasons for this lie in the typical dimensions of a child's body, features of which include a relatively big head and a growing vertebrae structure.
The fact youngsters also have weaker ligaments compared to adults can also be factor, he explained.
Dr DeWall discussed how managing patients' airways following an incident can be a crucial part of immediate care and explained how endotracheal intubation is not always considered the best option.
He added the size of this equipment can be "key" and that it should not be put around a person's neck.
"As with all trauma patients, cervical spine immobilisation should be established immediately," he explained.
In related news, one youngster who suffered a spinal cord injury is reportedly progressing well in her rehabilitation.
Madison Lawson, who was crushed by a horse in 2007, is back in the saddle and competing in dressage events again, the North Bay Nugget relayed.
Serious Law, leading spinal cord injury solicitors