The burden of injuries associated with accidents involving passengers carried in open bed pickup trucks - a review of 371 patients managed in a major trauma centre in South Africa.

Introduction: Although the transportation of passengers in the open back area of pickup trucks is associated with significant risk of injury, this practice remains ubiquitous in South Africa. This study reviews the spectrum of injury and clinical outcome of these patients in a large city in South Africa The intention of the study is to highlight the inherent dangers associated with the practice and hence provide impetus to legislators and authorities to attempt to restrict and ultimately eliminate this practice.

Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study conducted over a decade (Jan 2012-Dec 2023) at a major trauma centre in South Africa.

Results: A total of 371 patients were included (male: 53%, mean age: 25 years). The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 11. The most common anatomical region injured was head, followed by face and thorax. All patients underwent radiological investigations. 15% percent required operative intervention, with laparotomy and wound debridement being the most common. 9% required intensive care unit admission. The mean length of hospital stay was four days. The overall morbidity was 8%. The overall mortality was 4% and 71% of all mortalities were related to severe traumatic brain injury.

Conclusions: Transporting passengers in the load area of a pickup truck is dangerous and results in preventable morbidity and mortality. Attention should be given in South Africa to developing legislation in order to prevent this activity and to enforce these rules once passed.