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A one-year series of pediatric ED water-related injuries: the Hawaii EMS-C project
L G Yamamoto1, A B Yee, W J Matthews
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu.
Insights
Pediatric water-related injuries are common, with beaches being the most frequent incident location. Most injured children knew how to swim, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Injury Prevention
- Public Health
Background:
- Water-related injuries pose a significant risk to pediatric populations.
- Understanding the epidemiology of these injuries is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics and circumstances of pediatric patients presenting with water-related injuries.
- To identify high-risk locations and activities associated with these injuries.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 133 pediatric patients treated for water-related injuries over a 12-month period.
- Data collection included patient demographics, injury type, incident location, and swimming ability.
Main Results:
- The majority of injured patients (70%) were male.
- Beaches accounted for 75% of incidents, followed by public pools (12%).
- Common injuries included external trauma (88%), with submersions and head/neck trauma also noted.
Conclusions:
- Water-related injuries in children are frequent, with beaches being a primary location.
- Despite swimming proficiency in many cases, injuries still occur, emphasizing the need for comprehensive prevention strategies beyond swimming ability.
Abstract:
During a 12-month period ending on November 30, 1988, data on 133 pediatric patients visiting a pediatric emergency department with water-related injuries were collected. Of these patients, 70% were male. There were 13 submersions, seven cases of head trauma, three cases of neck trauma, 88 cases of external injury, and 34 other injuries. Incidents took place at beaches (75%) in public pools (12%), in friends' pools (4%), and in home pools (4%). Eighty-six percent of the cohort knew how to swim. Swimming, playing, and surfing activity accounted for most of the injuries. Measures for prevention are described.