Citation

Rogich JJ, Kim RY, Chang S, Kaneshige J, Dao L. Wilderness Environ. Med. 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Kaena Kai Clinic, 66-150 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI, 96712.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.wem.2019.08.008

PMID

31955986

Abstract

We present a case of a 32-y-old male professional surfer who sustained an isolated pelvic ring fracture after wiping out on a large wave and striking the ocean floor during a world championship tour surfing competition in Hawaii. The surfer was rescued by the water patrol lifeguards, evaluated by onsite medical staff, and stabilized for transfer and subsequent surgical management. As surfing and surfing competitions become increasingly popular, medical staff and event organizers must be aware of the possibility for severe, life-threatening injuries during surfing events. Although infrequent, staff must be prepared to manage these injuries, including immediate resuscitation, stabilization, analgesia, and transfer to definitive care. We hope this case encourages not only surf event organizers and medical staff, but also staff of all professional and recreational water sports, to increase their preparedness to stabilize and treat both life-threatening and minor injuries. Expeditious and appropriate treatment of an injured athlete has the potential to decrease morbidity and mortality while maximizing the athletes' functional outcome after injury.

Copyright © 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


Keywords: Social Transition

Language: en

Keywords

bone fractures; emergency medical services; orthopedics; pelvic pain; sports medicine; water sports