Damage control laparotomy in a paediatric trauma patient in a regional hospital

•Paediatrics’ demonstrates different clinical signs with different resuscitation requirements.•Paediatric patient mask symptoms and compensate well before deteriorating.•Peripheral hospitals require resources to manage deteriorating paediatric patients.•General surgeons requiring training in paediatric trauma laparotomies.•Damage control laparotomies can lower morbidity and mortality rates.