A descriptive study of the burden of animal-related trauma at Cork University Hospital

Sheehan, M.; Deasy, Conor

A descriptive study of the burden of animal-related trauma at Cork University Hospital

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Published version

Date

2018-01

Authors

Sheehan, M.

Deasy, Conor

Publisher

Irish Medical Organisation

Abstract

Farming is the most dangerous occupation in Ireland1 and the incidence of farm accidents is rising. This study examines major farm animal-related trauma treated at Cork University Hospital over a 5 year period. There were 54 patients admitted to Cork University Hospital (C.U.H.) with major farm animal-related trauma. The median age was 56 years, 85% were male and the median hospital length of stay was four days. Older patients had longer lengths of stay; 5.5 vs 4 days (p=0.026). Tibia/fibula fractures were the most common injuries (N=13, 24%); head injury occurred in six patients (11%). There were 32 (59%) patients who required surgery, the majority for orthopaedic injuries. There were nine patients (16.7%) admitted to the intensive care unit; their median ICU stay was four days. Injury prevention and treatment strategies require that the age profile, mechanism of injury and injury patterns of farmers sustaining animal-related trauma is recognised.

Keywords

Farming , Health and safety , Farm animal-related trauma , Fatal workplace accidents , Non-fatal workplace injuries , Cow-related trauma , Dairy farms , Irish farms , Cork University Hospital , Farm injuries , Agriculture workers , Public health , Dangerous occupation , Safety practices , Orthopaedic injuries,

Citation

Sheehan, M. and Deasy, C. (2018) 'A Descriptive Study Of The Burden Of Animal-Related Trauma At Cork University Hospital', Irish Medical Journal, 111:1. Available at: http://imj.ie/a-descriptive-study-of-the-burden-of-animal-related-trauma-at-cork-university-hospital/