All-terrain vehicle-related injuries and deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador between 2003 and 2013: a retrospective trauma registry review

Background: Injury and death involving all-terrain vehicles (ATV) has been reported in a number of Canadian provinces. The objective of this study is to describe the frequency, nature, severity, population affected, immediate health costs, efficacy of related legislation, and helmet use in ATV related injuries and deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Methods: A retrospective review of injured or deceased ATV riders of all ages entered in the Newfoundland and Labrador Trauma Registry from 2003 to 2013 was conducted. Variables studied included demographics, injury type and severity, use of helmets, admission/discharge dates, and referring/receiving institution. Data was also obtained from the Newfoundland and Labrador Center for Health Information (NLCHI) and included all in-hospital deaths and hospitalizations due to ATVs between 1995 and 2013. Results: There were a total of 298 patients registered in the trauma registry, resulting in 2759 admission days, nine deaths, and a total estimated immediate healthcare system cost in excess of $1.6 million. More males (N = 253, 84.9%) than females (N = 45, 15.1%) were injured in ATV related incidents, t(20) = 7.12, p < .0001. Head and thorax injuries were the most serious. 38.6% of patients were confirmed to be wearing helmets. Mean injury severity scores are as follows: head injury (M = 11, SD = 9.51), thorax (M = 10, SD = 8.3), abdominal/pelvis (M = 9, SD = 7.62), upper extremity (M = 9, SD = 8.53), other injuries (M = 9, SD = 10.56) lower extremity (M = 8, SD = 8.34), and spine (M = 8, SD = 6.52). Conclusions: This study describes ATV related injuries and deaths in NL. Information from this study may guide physician practice, public education, and future legislation.