Citation

Piercefield E, Wendling T, Archer P, Mallonee S. J. Saf. Res. 2011; 42(1): 27-32.

Affiliation

Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer assigned to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, OSELS/SEPDPO/PMR, 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-92, Atlanta, Georgia, 30333, USA; Injury Prevention Service, Oklahoma State Department of Health, 1000 NE Tenth Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73117, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, U.S. National Safety Council, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jsr.2010.11.004

PMID

21392626

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: A January 2007 ice storm occurred in Oklahoma, causing power outages and hazardous travel conditions. The objective of this investigation was to describe the nature of winter storm-related injuries among Oklahoma residents, to determine populations at risk, and to inform prevention-planning personnel. METHODS: Winter storm-related injuries were a temporarily reportable condition; all acute-care hospitals and the state medical examiner logged storm-related injuries and deaths during January 12-30, 2007. Medical records were retrospectively abstracted. Risk of injury was described by demographic group, injury type, and mechanism. RESULTS: Among 6,047 persons experiencing winter storm-related injuries, 74% were injured in falls, 13% in motor-vehicle collisions (MVCs), 8% while sledding, 1% by unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, 1% in cleanup activities, and 3% by other mechanisms. Median age of injured persons was 39years. Persons aged≥40years were 1.4 times more likely to experience falls as the cause of injury than those aged <40years, and falls were twice as likely as other mechanisms to cause fractures among persons aged≥40years. Injured persons aged <40years were 2.2 times more likely to experience MVC-related injuries, and 19 times more likely to experience sledding-related injuries than persons aged≥40years. CONCLUSIONS: Younger persons were more likely injured in MVCs and sledding incidents, whereas older persons were more likely to experience falls and fractures. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: Prevention messages for winter storm-related injuries should target winter-driving safety tips to younger adults and precautions regarding falls to older adults.

Language: en