S Puranik1, J Long, S Coffman. 1. Broward General Medical Center, Trauma Services, Fort Lauderdale, Fla 33316, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Bicycle injury data from local communities are important for developing injury prevention and control programs. This study represents the efforts of one community trauma center to describe bicycle injuries. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of bicycle injury data from hospital charts, emergency medical services reports, and medical examiner reports. The review encompassed a 4-year period. The study sample included 211 trauma alert patients, ages 1 through 15 years, who were treated for bicycle-related injuries at our level II pediatric trauma center. RESULTS: Bicycle injuries accounted for 18% of all pediatric trauma alert patients. The mean age of injured children was 10 years, and 79% were males. Bicycle-motor vehicle collisions caused 84% of injuries. Only 3 children (1.4%) wore bicycle helmets. Resulting injuries included external wounds (86%), head injuries (47%), fractures (29%), and internal organs (9%). Six children died. CONCLUSIONS: Bicycle injuries are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity for children in our community. Use of safety helmets by child bicyclists is inadequate. The data from this study can be used as a baseline in testing the effectiveness of local and state interventions, including new legislation mandating helmet use by children in our state.
BACKGROUND: Bicycle injury data from local communities are important for developing injury prevention and control programs. This study represents the efforts of one community trauma center to describe bicycle injuries. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of bicycle injury data from hospital charts, emergency medical services reports, and medical examiner reports. The review encompassed a 4-year period. The study sample included 211 trauma alert patients, ages 1 through 15 years, who were treated for bicycle-related injuries at our level II pediatric trauma center. RESULTS: Bicycle injuries accounted for 18% of all pediatric trauma alert patients. The mean age of injured children was 10 years, and 79% were males. Bicycle-motor vehicle collisions caused 84% of injuries. Only 3 children (1.4%) wore bicycle helmets. Resulting injuries included external wounds (86%), head injuries (47%), fractures (29%), and internal organs (9%). Six children died. CONCLUSIONS: Bicycle injuries are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity for children in our community. Use of safety helmets by child bicyclists is inadequate. The data from this study can be used as a baseline in testing the effectiveness of local and state interventions, including new legislation mandating helmet use by children in our state.