RESQDOC
10-24-02, 11:00
Here is some good info on injury rates, from a recent JAMA article. Many studies along these lines have been done, all with more or less the same general results. In other words, the trends are confirmed over time. The bottom line then is that this gives us some good info on planning and training.
Period: July 2000-June 2001
Patients: 4.3 million
Injury type: non-fatal sports/recreation injuries, all types
Location: US Emergency Departments, country wide
Most frequent diagnosis'
Strain/sprain 29.1%
Fracture 20.5%
Contusion/abrasion 20.1%
Laceration 13.8%
By body area
Ankles 12.1%
Fingers 9.5%
Face 9.2%
Head 8.2%
Knee 8.1%
Of all patients with head injuries, 57% were diagnosed with concussions/ internal brain injury. Of all patients, only 2.3% required hospitalization.
Take home messages: prepare for diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries, brush up on neurotrauma and closed head injuries, and expect the majority of patients to be ambulatory/outpatient that will do well with relatively simple management, good nursing care, and follow up physical therapy.
That's where to concentrate initial efforts. In other words, you are better off from a public health standpoint to plan and prepare for 500 sprains and fractures than 1 broken pelvis.
Period: July 2000-June 2001
Patients: 4.3 million
Injury type: non-fatal sports/recreation injuries, all types
Location: US Emergency Departments, country wide
Most frequent diagnosis'
Strain/sprain 29.1%
Fracture 20.5%
Contusion/abrasion 20.1%
Laceration 13.8%
By body area
Ankles 12.1%
Fingers 9.5%
Face 9.2%
Head 8.2%
Knee 8.1%
Of all patients with head injuries, 57% were diagnosed with concussions/ internal brain injury. Of all patients, only 2.3% required hospitalization.
Take home messages: prepare for diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries, brush up on neurotrauma and closed head injuries, and expect the majority of patients to be ambulatory/outpatient that will do well with relatively simple management, good nursing care, and follow up physical therapy.
That's where to concentrate initial efforts. In other words, you are better off from a public health standpoint to plan and prepare for 500 sprains and fractures than 1 broken pelvis.