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All-terrain vehicle injuries. A review at a rural level II trauma center
B D Krane1, M A Ricci, W B Sweeney
1Department of Surgery, Guthrie Medical Center, Sayre, Pennsylvania.
Insights
All-terrain vehicle (ATV) accidents cause significant injuries and deaths, particularly in children. Safety measures like age limits and protective gear are crucial to prevent ATV-related harm.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Public Health
- Pediatric Injury Prevention
Background:
- All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality.
- Children under 16 represent a significant proportion of ATV-related injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the patterns and outcomes of ATV accidents treated at a medical center.
- To identify risk factors and recommend preventive strategies for ATV injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 23 ATV accidents over 30 months.
- Data collection on patient demographics, accident circumstances, injury types, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Nearly half of injured patients were under 16.
- Alcohol involvement was high in adult riders (70%).
- Head injuries were common, especially without helmets (61% of those not wearing one).
- Common injuries included lacerations, fractures, and renal contusions.
- Severe outcomes included two deaths, two cord transections, and one amputation.
Conclusions:
- ATVs pose a serious risk to both children and adults.
- Implementing age restrictions, licensing, safety education, and mandatory protective equipment can mitigate ATV-related injuries and fatalities.
Abstract:
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have become a major source of morbidity and mortality with more than 600 deaths nationwide. Nearly half of those injured are children under 16 years. Twenty three ATV accidents were seen at the Guthrie Medical Center over a 30 month period ending in August 1986. Ten patients (43.5%) were under 16 years old. Of those injured who were older, alcohol was involved in 70 per cent of the accidents. Five accidents occurred on highways (21.7%), in spite of laws banning their use on public roads. Rollover type accidents and collisions were the most frequent mechanisms of injury (39% and 35%). Of 18 patients known not to have worn a helmet, 61 per cent sustained a closed head injury. In all, there were 88 injuries in 23 patients. Common injuries included lacerations (13), long bone fractures (13), renal contusions (11) and head injury (11). There were two deaths (8.7%), two cord transections with permanent disability, and a below-knee amputation. ATVs present a serious hazard to adult and children riders alike. Age limits, state licensing, safety programs, and protective equipment are all recommended as a means to reduce injury and death from recreational riding.