Breaking bones and the rules: An audit of paediatric e-scooter trauma in a regional Queensland hospital

IF 2.6 3区医学 Q2 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health Pub Date : 2025-06-01 DOI:10.1016/j.anzjph.2025.100245

Matthew Clanfield , Isabelle Sharman

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objective

To retrospectively analyse paediatric electronic scooter (e-scooter) injuries presenting to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital by evaluating trauma severity and compliance with safety regulations to help inform policy discussions.

Methods

A retrospective review of paediatric e-scooter trauma presentations between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, was conducted using emergency department records. Data collected included demographics, incident mechanisms, helmet use, two persons riding one e-scooter “doubling”, speed, imaging requirements and paediatric trauma scores.

Results

A total of 176 cases were identified, with a median age of 14 years and 71% were male. Falls accounted for 78% of crashes, while 13% involved motor vehicles. Helmet non-compliance was documented in 42% of the presentations, 12% involved doubling, and 36% exceeded the 25 km/hr speed limit. Fractures occurred in 37% of cases, 18% required computerised tomography scans and 11% sustained life-threatening or potentially life-threatening injuries.

Conclusions

E-scooters pose a significant safety risk to paediatric users and this study highlights gaps in safety compliance.

Implications for Public Health

This study highlights the high risk e-scooters pose to Queenland’s youth. It is our belief that minimum age limit for e-scooters should be raised to 16 years old until improved safety measures prove effective. Dr Clanfield is currently engaging with the Queensland Government to advocate for policy review. This report’s data helps to inform other doctors and policymakers about the dangers of e-scooter use in young people.

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骨折和规则：对昆士兰州一家地区医院儿科电动滑板车创伤的审计。

目的：通过评估创伤严重程度和安全法规遵守情况，回顾性分析阳光海岸大学医院儿科电动滑板车（e-scooter）损伤，为政策讨论提供信息。方法：回顾性分析2023年1月1日至2024年12月31日期间的儿科电动滑板车创伤表现，并使用急诊科记录进行分析。收集的数据包括人口统计、事故机制、头盔使用、两人骑一辆电动滑板车“加倍”、速度、成像要求和儿科创伤评分。结果：共发现176例，中位年龄14岁，男性占71%。坠落事故占撞车事故的78%，而机动车事故占13%。42%的演示中记录了不遵守头盔规定，12%涉及加倍，36%超过25公里/小时的速度限制。37%的病例发生骨折，18%的病例需要计算机断层扫描，11%的病例发生危及生命或潜在危及生命的损伤。结论：电动滑板车对儿童使用者构成重大安全风险，本研究突出了安全合规方面的差距。对公众健康的影响：这项研究强调了电动滑板车对昆士兰年轻人构成的高风险。我们认为，在改进的安全措施证明有效之前，电动滑板车的最低年龄限制应该提高到16岁。克兰菲尔德博士目前正在与昆士兰州政府合作，倡导进行政策审查。这份报告的数据有助于告知其他医生和政策制定者关于年轻人使用电动滑板车的危险。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 医学-公共卫生、环境卫生与职业卫生

CiteScore

4.20

自引率

5.70%

发文量

121

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health (ANZJPH) is concerned with public health issues. The research reported includes formal epidemiological inquiries into the correlates and causes of diseases and health-related behaviour, analyses of public policy affecting health and disease, and detailed studies of the cultures and social structures within which health and illness exist. The Journal is multidisciplinary and aims to publish methodologically sound research from any of the academic disciplines that constitute public health.