Citation

Pearce R, Miles F. N. Zeal. Med. J. 2015; 128(1414): 44-50.

Affiliation

Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Starship Hospital, Private Bag 92024, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. rpearce@adhb.govt.nz.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, New Zealand Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

26117390

Abstract

AIMS: 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.

METHODS: 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: Twenty-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.

CONCLUSIONS: 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