Citation

Wright J, Kariya A. J. R. Soc. Med. 1997; 90(6): 322-326.

Affiliation

Accident and Emergency Department, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley, Scotland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Royal Society of Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9227380

PMCID

PMC1296309

Abstract

Over 2 months in 1995, 235 assault patients attended the accident and emergency department of the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley (2.4% of total new attendances). 80% were male and their mean age was 28 years (range 6-64); men were the assailants in over 90% of attacks. Alcohol had been consumed by 69% of the victims and 9% admitted to taking illicit drugs. The commonest place of assault was the street (44%) but women were more likely to be assaulted in their homes. Penetrating weapons were used in 23% of assaults. 60% of all injuries were to the head and neck. 27% of the victims were admitted to hospital. Paisley has an assault rate similar to that of other UK centres but the use of penetrating weapons is much higher than elsewhere.

Language: en