Assaults in south east London.
A survey was performed of 425 consecutive patients attending Lewisham Hospital as a result of deliberate physical violence. Eighty-two per cent attended 'out of hours', and in at least 50% alcohol was a contributing factor. Less than half the incidents were reported to the police. Fifteen per cent of the attacks were due to knives and accounted for 47% of the admissions and 90% of the serious injuries. The results support the view that it is becoming common for youths to be armed. Assault victims, particularly those with knife wounds place a considerable burden on hospital resources. Accident and Emergency departments are ideal places to monitor the epidemiology of assaults.
Department of Accident & Emergency, Lewisham Hospital, London.
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Hocking
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D002648:Child; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012926:Social Control, Formal; D013997:Time Factors; D014754:Violence; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy