An analysis of accidental free falls from a height: the 'spring break' syndrome.
Vertical deceleration injuries represent a distinct form of urban blunt trauma. Mechanisms of injury differ from those of horizontal vehicular trauma, and severity primarily depends on velocity of impact. We describe 33 free-fall injuries in adults occurring under purely nonintentional circumstances at a popular college "spring break" resort. Patterns of injuries were found to differ significantly from previously reported patterns of injuries sustained by adults from both accidental and intentional vertical deceleration.
Mathis
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Department of Emergency Medicine, Halifax Medical Center, Daytona Beach, Florida.
Levine
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Phifer
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D000058:Accidental Falls; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*