Trauma Association of Canada

TRAUMA ASSOCIATION OF CANADA © 2009 Canadian Medical Association Can J Surg, Vol. 52, Suppl., April 2009 — Abstracts 3 10015 Boys and their toys: a review of recreational vehicle trauma in southwestern Ontario. K.N. Vogt,* T. Charyk-Stewart,*† N. Parry,*†‡ J. Gilliland,§¶ D. Fraser,§**†† J. Williamson,† S. McKenzie,‡‡ M. Girotti.*† From the *Department of Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, the †Trauma Program, London Health Sciences Centre, the ‡Division of Critical Care, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, the §Children’s Health Research Institute and Lawson Health Research Institute, the ¶Department of Geography, University of Western Ontario, the **Centre for Critical Illness Research, the ††Department of Pediatrics, Suchulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, and the ‡‡Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital, Windsor, Ont. Objectives: To examine the epidemiology of recreational vehicle trauma (RVT) in southwestern Ontario (SWO). Compliance with legislation and recommendations regarding helmets, alcohol and pediatric drivers were determined. Trends were compared between pediatric and adult populations. Methods: A retrospective cohort of all trauma patients (1997–2008) admitted with severe injuries (ISS > 12) sustained while riding a recreational vehicle (all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile, dirtbike) was examined. Data were obtained from SWO trauma databases. Cases were mapped within a geographic information system to examine locations of RVT. Results: RVT–related injuries occurred in 327 patients; 90% were male and 28% were aged 13–18 years. No difference was found between pediatric and adult patients with respect to ISS and helmet use (p = 0.88, p = 0.89, respectively), but 63% of children less than 12 years old were drivers. Helmets were worn in 75% of crashes; failure to do so was associated with more severe head injuries (p = 0.03). Illegal alcohol use was documented in 28% of cases. Injury locations were overwhelmingly rural (88.5%), most within 15 km from patients’ homes. Conclusion: The overall incidence of RVT in SWO has increased substantially over the past 11 years. Use of helmets among our population was higher than previously reported. There were no significant differences between the pediatric and adult populations with respect to ISS and risk-taking behaviours. Teens had the greatest proportion of RVT, with significant increases after age 12, coinciding with legislation only requiring supervision for children less than 12 years old. The findings will be used in the creation of strategies to decrease RVT in SWO.