FRIDAY, Nov. 5 (HealthDay News) -- Falls from tree stands are
the leading cause of hunter-related injuries, according to an Ohio
State University study.
Researchers analyzed 130 hunting-related trauma admissions at
two Ohio hospitals over 10 years and found that 50 percent of
injuries were caused by falls, and 92 percent of those falls were
from tree stands.
Among the other findings:
- Gunshot wounds accounted for 29 percent of injuries.
- Drugs and alcohol together accounted for less than 10 percent
of injuries.
- Most of the hunters who fell were not wearing safety
harnesses.
- Of those who fell, 59 percent had fractures.
- Surgery was performed for 81 percent of fall-related
injuries.
- Permanent neurological damage was suffered by 8.2 percent of
the hunters who fell.
While this study was conducted in Ohio, the high risk of falls
applies to hunters across the country, the researchers said.
The study was recently published in the journal the
American Surgeon.
More information
The American College of Emergency Physicians offers
safety tips for hunters.
2010Copyright © 2010
HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.