Citation

Frost KL, Bertocci G. Med. Eng. Phys. 2010; 32(3): 230-236.

Affiliation

J.B. Speed School of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, United States.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.medengphy.2009.01.004

PMID

19395304

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Characterize wheeled mobility device (WhMD) adverse incidents on large accessible transit vehicles (LATVs) based on vehicle motion, WhMD activity during incident, incident scenario and injury. DESIGN: Retrospective records review. SUBJECTS/PATIENTS: WhMD passengers traveling on LATVs while remaining seated in their. METHODS: Adverse incidents characterized based on vehicle motion, WhMD activity during incident, and incident scenario. Injury characterized based on outcome, medical attention sought, vehicle activity, WhMD activity and incident scenario. RESULTS: 115 WhMD-related incident reports for years 2000-2005 were analyzed. Most incidents occurred when the LATV was stopped (73.9%), during ingress/egress (42.6%), and at the securement station (33.9%) when the LATV was moving. The combination of WhMD tipping and passenger falling (43.4%) occurred most frequently, and was 1.8 times more likely to occur during ingress/egress than at the securement station. One-third (33.6%) of all incidents resulted in injury, and injuries were equally distributed between ingress/egress (43.6%) and at the securement station (43.6%). CONCLUSIONS: WhMD users have a greater chance of incurring injury during ingress/egress than during transit. Research is needed to objectively assess real world transportation experiences of WhMD passengers, and to assess the adequacy of existing federal legislation/guidelines for accessible ramps used in public transportation.

Language: en