Sledding injuries in the southeastern United States.

BACKGROUND: Heavy ice and snow accumulation combined with record low temperatures in Chattanooga, Tennessee, from February 2-6, 1996, contributed to many sledding injuries.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of emergency visits to seven area hospitals from February 2-6, 1996. We further reviewed sledding injury records. Sledding was defined as sliding on snow or ice using any device except skis.

RESULTS: Of 2,134 emergency room visits, 241 patients had 310 sledding injuries. Ages of patients ranged from 3 to 53 years (mean, 18.9; median, 16). One hundred twenty-eight injuries were severe. These included extremity injuries (65), head injuries (28), chest injuries (10), intra-abdominal injuries (10), vertebral column fractures (11), and pelvic fractures (4). Thirty-six patients required inpatient hospitalization; 18 had surgery. The minimum healthcare costs associated with these injuries were estimated at $220,000.

CONCLUSIONS: Major trauma potential is associated with sledding, especially where significant winter storms are uncommon. Level I trauma centers should seasonally incorporate sledding safety into community-wide injury prevention programs.