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Outdoor Recreational Injuries

New CDC Study First To Present National Estimates

Jun 11, 2008

Nearly 213,000 people were treated in emergency rooms annually between 2004 and 2005 in the U.S . More than half of the injuries occurred among young people aged 10-24.

A first of its kind report sponsored by the CDC and published in the journal Wilderness and Environmental Medicine provides national estimates of outdoor recreational injuries treated in community emergency rooms. Titled National Estimates of Outdoor Recreational Injuries Treated in Emergency Departments, United States, 2004-2005, authors Flores, Haileyesus, and Greenspan used data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System to compile their results.

There were 212,708 people treated for outdoor recreational injuries per year between January 2004 and December 2005 equating to a injury rate of 72.1 per 100,000 population in the United States. Some 109,000 or 51.5 percent of those injured were between the ages of 10 and 24. Males accounted for 68.2% of the injuries reported. Factures and sprains were the most common diagnoses found in the study. Snowboarding lead in recreational activities identified accounting for 25.5% of all reported injuries.

In a Centers for Disease Control press release announcing the study, Co-Author Arlene Greenspan DrPH says, “Participation in outdoor recreation is increasingly popular in the United States. The good news is that there are ways to help stay safe while having healthy fun outdoors. For example, by wearing the appropriate helmet for snowboarding, snowmobiling, sledding and rock climbing, you can reduce your risk of having a head injury, which could become a traumatic brain injury. Helmets are one piece of equipment that can have a critical, positive impact.”

National Estimates of Outdoor Recreational Injuries and Rate per 100,000 Population - Researchers were able to identify the most common types and occurrences of injuries related to recreational activities.

27.4% were Fractures
23.9% were Strains or Sprains
15.9% were Contusions or Abrasions
14.8% were Lacerations
6.5% were Traumatic Brain Injuries
3.8% were Dislocations
7.6% of the reported injuries fell into other categories

Injury Prevention - This study offers some clues on how to avoid outdoor recreational injuries. Fractures, strains, and sprains are the most commonly reported injuries. They seem to be underreported in the press and this misrepresentation causes people to underestimate their risk of injury. Authors point out that by following the three wilderness injury prevention strategies of planning, preparation, and problem anticipation, the number and severity of injuries would be reduced. Maintaining a fitness levels appropriate for the desired activity, using and maintaining the proper equipment, and notifying others about planned activities are all examples of using these strategies.

This study is seen as important because it provides public health researchers with a baseline that can guide future health care planning and research specifically related to outdoor recreation. There is certainly room for further research in outdoor and wilderness injury prevention.

The copyright of the article Outdoor Recreational Injuries in Boating & Sailing is owned by Alan Sorum. Permission to republish Outdoor Recreational Injuries in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.