Prevention of spinal cord injuries that occur in swimming pools

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the usual circumstances surrounding spinal cord injuries that occur in swimming pools so that appropriate primary prevention programs targeted at high risk persons, activities, and environments could be developed and initiated. A sample of 341 persons enrolled in the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center database since 1973 whose injury was the result of a swimming pool mishap was identi®ed. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively and a survey questionnaire was administered by telephone to 196 persons (57.5%) who were located and agreed to participate. Average age at time of injury was 24 years, 86% of injured persons were men, 95% were white, 70% were never married, 32% had less than a high school education, and only 7% were college graduates. Almost all injuries (87%) occurred in private/residential pools. Most injuries (57%) occurred when diving into less than 4 feet of water, while an additional 38% occurred at water depths between 4 and 8 feet. Depth indicators were not present in 75% of cases. There were no warning signs posted in 87% of cases. There was no lifeguard on duty in 94% of cases. There was self-reported alcohol involvement in 49% of cases, but drugs were involved in only 2% of cases. Almost half of all injuries (46%) occurred during parties. In 44% of cases, the injury occurred during the person's ®rst visit to that particular pool. Ordinary dives accounted for 70% of cases, followed by unusual dives (17%), unintentional pushes (6%), and other circumstances (7%). Almost all injuries (88%) occurred between 1 pm and 1 am with the most frequent time of day being 6 pm, and 82% occurred during June, July or August. Over half (51%) of all injuries occurred on Saturday or Sunday. These results provide important clues to the development of a successful primary prevention program.

Cervical spine injuries resulting from diving accidents in swimming pools: outcome of 34 patients

“…In this series, diving accidents comprised 2.5% of all cervical spine trauma admitted to the department. Most patients were male (97%) with a mean age of 27 years; this is in accordance with others series [1,4,6,8]. It is likely that the number of cervical injuries seen in this study is probably underestimated, because minor injuries were not admitted to the department, but seen only in emergency departments or by general practitioners.…”

“…These injuries cause substantial mortality and morbidity, with many patients acquiring a significant and permanent disability [1,4,8,9,15]. According to different series, the incidence of diving accidents represents from 1.2 to 22% of all spinal cord injuries [1,3,11,12,20].…”

“…The incidence of spinal cord injuries (SCI) following these accidents has been reported to range between 1.2 and 21% [1,3,11,12,20]. These injuries occur predominantly in a young and healthy population that is mostly male [1,4,6,8]. Spinal cord injuries as a consequence of diving accidents mainly affect the cervical spine and therefore may cause a lifelong severe disability with important social impact and financial costs [3,4,15].…”

Evidence-Based Practice in Primary Prevention of Spinal Cord Injury

“…Research has shown that of the SCIs resulting from diving headfirst into a swimming pool, 75% occurred in a pool with no depth indicator. 25 Ninety-five percent of people receiving an SCI from a swimming incident dove into water less than 8 ft deep. 25 A primary prevention technique for these injuries is to clearly mark the depth around swimming pools.…”

“…25 Ninety-five percent of people receiving an SCI from a swimming incident dove into water less than 8 ft deep. 25 A primary prevention technique for these injuries is to clearly mark the depth around swimming pools. Depth indicators can be purchased from a pool supply store.…”