Citation

Pearce R, Miles F. N. Zeal. Med. J. 2015; 128(1414): 45-50.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, New Zealand Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This was a study looking at children (aged under 16 years) presenting to Starship Children's Hospital with injuries from a quad bike incident from 2007-2014 and to review whether current guidelines are sufficient to prevent injury. Twenty-seven patients had an injury from a quad bike incident. Over half (56%) had injuries affecting more than one area of the body. Injuries were more severe in those who were younger and lighter, those needing Paediatric Intensive Care treatment and those who sustained a head injury but did not wear a helmet. This study supports current published guidelines recommending limiting the use of quad bikes by children but also recommends legislation against children under 16 years riding quad bikes to prevent further injury and death. Aim

To ascertain morbidity and mortality of children who presented to Starship Children's Hospital with injuries from a quad bike incident from 2007 to 2014, and to review whether current guidelines are sufficient to prevent injury.

METHOD

A retrospective case note review of all children under the age of 16 years who presented to Starship Hospital with an injury sustained whilst riding a quad bike between January 2007 and July 2014.

RESULTS

wenty-seven patients were identified through both the Starship Children's Hospital Trauma and Paediatric Intensive Care databases with injuries resulting from a quad bike incident. Fifteen patients (56%) had multisystem injuries. The average injury severity score (ISS) was 14 (range 1-75). ISS was higher in those of younger age (<5 years), lower body weight (<20kg), requiring PICU admission and those sustaining head injuries with no helmet. Seven (25.9%) patients required PICU admission, two patients died (7.4%) and three patients (12%) survived to discharge with disability.

CONCLUSION

This study supports current published guidelines which recommend limiting the use of quad bikes by children. Current guidelines do not, however, prevent injury in the paediatric population.

Language: en