Citation

Bigby KJ, McClure RJ, Green AC. Med. J. Aust. 2000; 172(10): 485-488.

Affiliation

Epidemiology and Population Health Unit, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Australian Medical Association, Publisher Australasian Medical Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10901771

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the current incidence of serious injuries in Queensland surf lifesavers related to inflatable rescue boat (IRB) use, and to describe the nature of the injuries. DESIGN: Descriptive study. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: The 3050 members of Queensland's 57 surf life saving clubs who drove or crewed an IRB in Queensland between July 1997 and June 1998. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of serious IRB-related injuries that resulted in claims for workers compensation in 1997-1998, and type and anatomical location of injury. RESULTS: Thirty-six IRB-related injuries were lodged with WorkCover Queensland by surf lifesavers during 1997-1998, giving an estimated crude incidence of 1.2%. Sixty-one per cent of injuries affected the right side of the body; two-thirds of these involved the knee, leg and ankle. IRB injuries occurred most often during patrol duty (39% of cases) and it was usually the crewperson (86% of cases) who was injured. Fracture and fracture-dislocations constituted a third of the injuries, with 75% occurring in the right leg and ankle. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the known incomplete reporting of these injuries, our findings suggest that IRB-related injury caused substantial morbidity among volunteer surf lifesavers. The pattern of injuries suggests biomechanically preventable causes.

Language: en