Citation

Belzunegui Otano T, Teijeira Álvarez R, Reyero Díez D, Oteiza Olaso J. Emergencias 2012; 24(3): 208-210.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, SEMES - Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias y Emergencias)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

We to study the epidemiologic characteristics of patients with multiple injuries after attempted suicide who were treated by the emergency health system of Navarre between 2004 and 2005. The patients that had 1 or more severe injuries from mechanical force after a suicide attempt were included. The injuries were life-threatening or could be the cause of severe complications or sequelae. An inclusion criterion was a New Injury Severity Score (NISS) of more than 15, or death. The annual incidence of such injuries was 5.7 per 100 000 population. The ratio of men to women was 3:1. In order of frequency, the most common methods were jumping from a high place, jumping in front of an oncoming train, and gunshot. Eighty percent of the patients died. The mean age was 50 years. Jumping from heights was chosen most often by both men and women, but men also chose the other methods (train and gunshot) more often than women. The mean NISS was 37 points. We conclude that the incidence of violent suicide is low in Navarre. Mortality is high because of the severity of injuries caused by the methods chosen mainly by men. Women mainly choose jumping from heights whereas men use additional methods.

Language: en

Keywords

Incidence; Suicide; Mortality; Population study; Wounds and injuries, severe