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Characteristics of accidental injuries from power tools treated at two emergency departments in Queensland
Author(s) -
Judge Chantelle,
Eley Rob,
MiyakawaLiu Monica,
Brown Nathan J,
McCosker Laura,
Livesay Georgia,
Hughes James A,
Vallmuur Kirsten
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
emergency medicine australasia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.602
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1742-6723
pISSN - 1742-6731
DOI - 10.1111/1742-6723.13201
Subject(s) - accidental , medicine , medical emergency , emergency medicine , occupational safety and health , head and neck , accidental fall , injury prevention , emergency department , head injury , poison control , surgery , nursing , physics , pathology , acoustics
Abstract Objective Injuries are a major burden on the Australian healthcare system. Power tool usage is a common cause of accidental injury. A better understanding of the trends of power tool injuries will inform prevention strategies and potentially mitigate costs. Methods The ED databases from two level 1 hospitals were reviewed for presentations between 2005 and 2015 resulting from accidental injury with power tools. A subgroup of patients presenting to one hospital between 2016 and 2017 were interviewed about the activities and circumstances that led to their injuries, and followed up 3 months later to assess outcomes. Results A total of 4057 cases of accidental injury from power tool use were identified. Power saws and grinders contributed to 54% of injuries. Most injuries were located on an upper limb (48%) or the head and neck (30%). Over half (54%) of all head injuries were associated with metal and wood fragments to the eye from grinders, drills and saws. Hospital admission rates were highest for patients aged >60 years. Injuries to females were <5% of all presentations, but 40% of those caused by lawnmowers. Among the 200 patients interviewed, lapses in concentration during use, and modification and inappropriate use of a power tool were the main contributors to injury. Recovery periods >3 months were common. Conclusions Accidental injuries from power tool use have a considerable impact on ED resources and can affect the long‐term quality of life of those injured. Effective education about safe usage and protection may prevent many injuries.