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Abstract

Background

All terrain vehicles (ATVs) have grown in size and speed, and contribute significantly to pediatric trauma injuries. We compared pediatric ATV and All Trauma injuries, and sought to determine if there has been an improvement in ATV safety.

Methods

We reviewed the CMCD Trauma Registry for all ATV injuries from 2007–2011, and compared data with data previously compiled for All Trauma admissions from 2006 to 2008.

Results

There were 197 ATV and 4473 All Trauma admissions. The two groups differed in that the ATV group had a greater number of transfers from outside hospitals, trauma activations, Injury Severity Score, and need for operation. Mortality was 0.5% for ATV and 1.3% for All Trauma injuries. 51% of children ≤10 years were drivers; only 18% wore helmets.

Conclusion

ATV admissions are associated with higher acuity injuries than All Trauma admissions. Pediatric ATV safety does not appear to have improved; efforts should be refocused to improve it.

Keywords

Pediatric trauma all terrain vehicle safety protective device

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