Objective: A retrospective audit of presentations to a tertiary trauma centre reviewing the demographics of electric scooter injuries in the first 2 months of the scooter-share scheme, which was commenced in Brisbane in November 2018. Methods: Electric scooter-associated presentations to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Emergency and Trauma Centre from November 2018 to January 2019 were identified. Data collected included patient demographics, type and location of injuries, helmet use, alcohol consumption, length of stay and disposition. Estimates of costs associated with electric scooter presentation were also obtained. Results: Fifty-four electric scooter encounters were included during the 2-month period. Helmets were worn in 46% and was associated with reduced risk of head injury (odds ratio (OR) 0.18, P = 0.029). Alcohol was involved in 27% although this did not impact on admission rates (OR 1.25, P = 0.83) or operative management (OR 2.14, P = 0.42). Contusions/abrasions and fractures/ dislocations were the most common types of injury, whereas upper limb and minor head injuries were the most common sites of injury. Most patients were discharged home (87%), with 74% completing their emergency visit in under 4 h. Six patients required operative management and 15 patients needed outpatient follow-up. There were no deaths. Average patient cost per presentation was $542 and ranged from $285 to $1345. Conclusions: The findings characterised injury patterns and costs associated with electric scooters in our ED. Given the increasing popularity of electric scooters as an alternate form of transportation, our study may help to inform public policy for future injury prevention.
ObjectiveTo review domestic and family violence (DFV) and non‐lethal strangulation (NLS) presentations to an ED with 24‐h social work.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of 12 months of DFV presentations comparing demographics, perpetrator relationship, social work review, injuries and NLS incidence and assessment.ResultsWomen represent 90% of DFV presentations. In 26% of DFV presentations NLS was identified, with 47.5% clinically assessed appropriately. Social work did not review 34% of DFV presentations, 64% due to no referral.ConclusionsSocial work referral for DFV is regularly missed despite 24‐h access. Assessment of NLS in ED requires improvement and standardised national guidelines.
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