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Amusement park injuries and deaths
Robert J Braksiek1, David J Roberts
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55415, USA. robertbraksiek@hotmail.com
Roller coasters can cause serious neurologic injuries, including stroke and hemorrhage, though the overall risk remains low. Emergency physicians should consider thrill ride participation in patient histories, especially with neurological symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Emergency Medicine
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Increased media attention on amusement park injuries raises public concern.
- Reported fatalities and injuries have led to legislative proposals for industry regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review reported amusement park injuries in medical literature and Consumer Product Safety Commission data.
- To discuss the physics and physiological effects of roller coasters contributing to injuries.
- To advise emergency physicians on patient history taking regarding thrill ride participation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of amusement park injuries.
- Analysis of Consumer Product Safety Commission injury data.
- Discussion of roller coaster physics and physiological impacts.
Main Results:
- Medical literature reports numerous neurologic injuries linked to roller coasters since 1979, including subdural hematomas, artery dissections, and strokes.
- While specific injury data is presented, the overall risk of amusement park injury is noted as low.
- The physics and physiological effects of roller coasters are discussed as potential injury mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Emergency physicians should inquire about thrill ride participation in patient evaluations, particularly those with neurological symptoms.
- Understanding the biomechanical forces of roller coasters is crucial for diagnosing and treating associated injuries.
- Despite a low overall risk, specific severe injuries are documented, necessitating clinical awareness.
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