Injuries related to snow blowers in the United States: 2002 through 2008.
OBJECTIVE
The objective was to examine injuries related to the use of a snow blower among patients treated in an emergency department (ED).


METHODS
Data were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) for the years 2002-2008. National estimates of ED visits for injuries associated with the use of a snow blower were obtained, and descriptive epidemiologic characteristics assessed.


RESULTS
From 2002 through 2008, there were an estimated 32,307 ED visits for injuries related to the use of a snow blower in the United States. Older adults had a higher proportion of ED visits for such injuries than younger age groups. The majority of injuries involved injuries to the hand, with 42% of cases diagnosed with fractures and 20% resulting in amputations.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings indicate that injuries from snow blowers remain a public health problem. Efforts to reduce injury incidence are discussed in accordance with inherent challenges of prevention of injuries associated with these products.
Hammig
Bart
B
Department of Health, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA. bhammig@uark.edu
Jones
Ches
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006794:Household Articles; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012307:Risk Factors; D012914:Snow; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*