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Abstract
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ATVs are unlicensed 3 or 4 wheeled motorised vehicles designed primarily for farm use. The popularity of these vehicles for recreational purposes has seen a dramatic increase in the number of presentations to Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) with ATV-related trauma since August 1994.
Aim: To describe the nature of ATV-related injuries of patients that presented to RPH from August 1994 to December 2007.
Method: Patients who were admitted to RPH following ATV-related trauma were identified on the Trauma Registry and data relating to the trauma incident was examined.
Results: Over the time period 172 patients were admitted with an ATV-related injury, with the majority of injuries sustained by 15–34 year old males. The primary mechanisms of injury either involved a fall from the vehicle or a collision. The majority of incidents occurred in off-road areas and in the non-metropolitan regions (70%). Helmets were not worn by 26% of patients. The commonest injuries were fractures of the limbs and spine. The median ISS was 9 (1–43). The average LOS was 7.1 days, and 75% of patients were discharged home.
Conclusion: RPH is a State Major Trauma Centre, and as such has a responsibility in terms of community education and injury prevention. It is important that the public be made aware of the dangers associated with ATV use. Trauma Registries play an important role in the identification of target groups and can be used to monitor the impact of any prevention program. |