The major causes of death in the Army and comparisons with the civilian population.
Statistics of 881 British Army male non-operational deaths between 1980 and 1984 were analysed and comparisons made with civilian mortality for certain categories of deaths. Disease accounted for 32% and injury for 68% of the deaths. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) comprised 40% and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) 13% of the total. The overall Standardised Mortality Ratio (SMR) was 92. By comparison with the UK civil population serving members of the Regular Army suffered considerably less from disease deaths (SMR 58) with the exception of IHD (SMR 92), but more from injury deaths (SMR 135). RTA deaths had an SMR of 200. The review suggests that attention should be directed towards incidents causing RTAs and drowning. Action taken in peace may have relevance to survival on operations.
Finnegan
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TP
Medical Branch, HQ 1st British Corps.
Lewis
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DT
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D002423:Cause of Death; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel; D006113:United Kingdom; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000401:mortality