The injury experience observed in two emergency departments in Kingston, Ontario during 'ice storm 98'

Abstract

Objectives: 1) To describe patterns of unintentional injury presenting for emergency medical care in Kingston, Ontario following the ice storm in January 1998; and 2) to provide recommendations for prevention during such situations. Methods: Unintentional injuries related to the ice storm that presented at the two emergency departments in Kingston, Ontario were identified and described. Results: A total of 254 injuries were identified. Injuries peaked the day following the onset of the ice storm and again 4-6 days following the storm. Common sources of injury included slips and falls on the ice (56%), activities related to clearing brush or trees (15%), and unintentional carbon monoxide poisonings (9%). Conclusions: While the number of injuries that presented during the storm and its aftermath was not unusual, the distribution of injuries by type did reflect the irregular nature of environmental conditions. This analysis provides useful information for public officials to use reviewing disaster plans and to generate recommendations for managing future occurrences.