Citation

Stevens JA, Vajani M, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA. MMWR Morb. Mortal. Wkly. Rep. 2004; 53(48): 1127-1129.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, (in public domain), Publisher U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15592171

Abstract

Although fall-related injuries occur throughout the year, few studies have analyzed seasonal patterns, and none have examined the extent of such injuries associated with holiday decorating. To characterize nonfatal fall injuries associated with decorating or related activities, CDC analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP) for three winter holiday seasons. This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicated that, during 2000-2003, an estimated 17,465 persons were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments (EDs) for holiday-decorating-related falls. Approximately 62% of those injured were aged 20-49 years; approximately 43% of injuries were caused by falls from ladders; and males were 40% more likely than females to be injured. Prevention strategies should focus on raising awareness about falls and promoting safety practices during the holiday season.