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Paediatric road accidents in two health districts
R S Moore1, C L Summers, M Jackson
1Department of Accident and Emergency Medicine, Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital.
Insights
Most child road traffic accident (RTA) injuries are minor, but supervision and safety measures like car restraints and cycle helmets are crucial. Public education on safe driving and supervision is needed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Trauma
- Public Health
- Road Safety
Background:
- Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a significant cause of injury in children.
- Understanding injury patterns and contributing factors is essential for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics and severity of injuries sustained by children in RTAs.
- To identify areas for improvement in child supervision and safety measures during accidents.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of children attending two accident and emergency departments (A&E) over one year.
- Data collection included demographics, accident circumstances, and Injury Severity Scores (ISS).
- Follow-up at 3 months via hospital case notes review.
Main Results:
- 710 children were studied, with a male to female ratio of 1.7:1.
- Only 37% of children were supervised, 29% of vehicle occupants were restrained, and 3/75 cyclists wore helmets.
- 96% of injuries were minor (ISS < 9); two children died from severe head injuries.
Conclusions:
- Child RTAs often involve a lack of supervision and inadequate use of safety restraints.
- While most injuries are minor, severe outcomes necessitate continued public education and environmental safety improvements.
- Findings align with other centers, emphasizing the need for ongoing safety initiatives.
Abstract:
For a 1-year period from 1 January 1990 all children seen, as a result of road traffic accidents (RTAs), in two accident and emergency departments (A&E), one in Liverpool and one in Chester were studied. Simple data were collected and injury severity scores (ISS) were used to assess injuries. Progress was monitored at 3 months post-injury by a review of hospital case notes. A total of 710 children fulfilled the study criteria in the year with a male:female ratio of 1.7:1. Only 37% of children were accompanied by an adult at the time of their accident. Overall 29% of children in vehicles were restrained and only three of 75 cyclists wore cycle helmets. Most injuries were minor with ISS of less than 9 in 96% of cases. Two children died after admission as a result of severe head injuries. The results were similar to those from other centres but highlight a need for continuing public education on child supervision, safe driving habits and the need for environmental changes.