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Pediatric sledding injuries in Pennsylvania
L M Bernardo1, M J Gardner, K D Rogers
1University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, USA.
Summary
Pediatric sledding injuries are common, with most resulting from collisions with stationary objects. Collisions with moving vehicles, however, lead to more severe injuries and higher mortality rates.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Pediatric Injury Prevention
- Public Health
Background:
- Sledding is a popular winter activity for children.
- Injuries associated with sledding can range from mild to severe.
- Understanding injury patterns is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency, characteristics, and circumstances of pediatric sledding injuries.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of known risk factors and prevention methods for sledding injuries.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzed data from 25 accredited trauma centers in Pennsylvania.
- The study included 226 pediatric patients admitted for sledding-related injuries.
Main Results:
- Most injuries (69%) occurred in males, with a mean hospital stay of 7 days.
- Collisions with stationary objects were the most frequent cause of injury (n=121).
- Patients struck by moving vehicles (n=16) experienced higher rates of head and chest injuries, mortality (33%), and longer ICU stays.
Conclusions:
- Most pediatric sledding injuries are mild to moderate, requiring hospitalization.
- Preventing collisions with stationary objects is essential.
- Prohibiting sledding in areas with moving vehicles is critical due to high mortality rates.