Paediatric recreational vehicle‐related head injuries presenting to the emergency department of a major paediatric trauma centre in Australia: Is there room for improvement?

Abstract

RV-related HIs accounted for a non-negligible proportion of paediatric HIs presenting to the ED and for significant morbidity and use of hospital resources. Interventions such as introduction of mandatory helmet use for off-road motorised vehicle riding and skateboard riding in children, enhanced injury prevention campaigns, and strict adult supervision during motorised vehicle riding may reduce the morbidity and health care costs associated with paediatric RV-related HIs.

Injury patterns associated with personal mobility devices and electric bicycles: an analysis from an acute general hospital in Singapore

“…However, the use of helmets has been shown to reduce risk of death in both motorised and non-motorised accidents related to the use of recreational vehicles. (15,16) Our research shows the need for greater helmet safety for PMD users as well. On the other hand, abdominal, pelvic and spinal injuries were very uncommon (one patient in each category).…”

The effect of national public health measures on the characteristics of trauma presentations to a busy paediatric emergency service in Ireland: a longitudinal observational study

“…This is a potentially modifiable cause of injury. Research has shown the positive impact simple interventions such as helmet use can have on WNMV-associated injuries [18,19]. Currently, Ireland has no injury prevention/ safety legislation related to these vehicles.…”

Incidence and severity of head injury hospitalisations in Australian children over a 10‐year period

“…Falls from scooters were a common mechanism causing head injury, particularly among females. Scooters are a popular non‐motorised wheeled device, which are commonly used without helmets . Helmets are not compulsory during scooter use in Australia .…”

“…Scooters are a popular non‐motorised wheeled device, which are commonly used without helmets . Helmets are not compulsory during scooter use in Australia . There is, however, strong evidence that helmets reduce the risk of head injuries during pedal cycle crashes, and therefore, helmets may have application to preventing head injury among scooter users .…”