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Sledding trauma in a northeastern Ontario community
A D Wynne1, G W Bota, B H Rowe
1Northeastern Ontario Family Medicine Residency Program, Sudbury General Hospital, Canada.
The Journal of Trauma
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Sledding injuries are uncommon in emergency departments but can cause significant harm and missed work or school. Most sledding trauma is preventable, highlighting the need for safety strategies.
Area of Science:
- Trauma research
- Public health
- Pediatric emergency medicine
Background:
- Sledding is a popular winter activity.
- Injuries associated with sledding can lead to significant morbidity and absenteeism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of sledding trauma in a northeastern Ontario community.
- To examine factors and behaviors associated with sledding injuries.
Main Methods:
- Prospective case series conducted in two hospital emergency departments.
- Data collected via physician forms and validated by emergency room records.
- Follow-up by telephone to assess residual disability.
Main Results:
- 101 sledding-related injuries identified; males (59%) and adolescents (mean age 16) were most affected.
- Injuries predominantly occurred on weekends (51%) and on non-designated hills (71%), often involving GT-racers (44%).
- Most injuries were mild (mean Injury Severity Score 2.3), but 7% required admission, 58% needed follow-up, and patients missed an average of 3.7 days of work/school.
Conclusions:
- Sledding injuries, while infrequent in emergency departments, can result in serious outcomes and absenteeism.
- The majority of sledding-related injuries appear preventable.
- Prevention strategies should be developed and implemented to reduce sledding trauma.