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Accidental farm injuries in children.
J A Swanson1, M I Sachs, K A Dahlgren
1Department of Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Farm machinery, particularly corn augers and tractors, caused severe injuries in 87 children over a decade. Many suffered fractures, lacerations, and long-term disability, highlighting the urgent need for farm safety measures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Agricultural Safety
- Injury Epidemiology
Background:
- Farm injuries represent a significant public health concern for children.
- Understanding the specific mechanisms and outcomes of these injuries is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiology of farm-related injuries in children presenting to an emergency department.
- To identify common farm machinery involved and the types of injuries sustained.
- To assess the severity and long-term consequences of these injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric farm injury cases.
- Data collection on patient demographics, machinery involved, injury types, and outcomes.
- Analysis of injury patterns over an 11-year period (November 1974 - July 1985).
Main Results:
- Eighty-seven children (88 injuries) were treated for farm-related incidents.
- Boys accounted for the majority of injuries (84.1%).
- Corn augers (42.0%) and tractors (25.0%) were the most frequent machinery involved.
- Fractures (62.5%) and lacerations (34.1%) were the most common injuries.
- Significant long-term disability occurred in 40.9% of cases, with two fatalities.
Conclusions:
- Farm machinery poses a substantial risk of severe injury and long-term disability to children.
- Preventive strategies involving physicians, families, educators, and legislators are essential.
- Targeted interventions are needed to reduce the incidence of pediatric farm injuries.