Children account for a significant proportion of trauma presentations, yet our trauma systems are largely designed with adults in mind. This conjoint session between the Trauma Surgery and Paediatric Surgery Sections explores what happens when children “end up in the adult pool.” Speakers will examine how adult trauma frameworks, including how activation criteria, verification processes, retrieval pathways, and resuscitation practices, can be adapted for the unique physiology and care needs of children. Just as importantly, the session will highlight the reverse translation: lessons from paediatric trauma care that could enrich adult practice, including family-centred models, non-operative management, and developmental considerations in rehabilitation. By placing adult and paediatric surgeons in the same forum, the session aims to foster collaborative exchange, identify gaps where systems “forget the shallow end,” and outline opportunities to build truly inclusive trauma systems for all patients, regardless of age.