Epidemiological profile of patients victims of traffic accidents treated in the emergency room of Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Tubarão, Santa Catarina state, Brazil <br><b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

AIMS: To describe the profile of victims of traffic accidents attended at the Emergency Service, Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição, in Tubarão city, Santa Catarina state, Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a study that included all patients victims of traffic accidents attended at the emergency room of Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição, from December 2010 to February 2011. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 101 patients, mean age 35.3±14.9 years and 78.2% male. Men had a nearly 40% greater risk of motor vehicle accident than women, and the motorcycle was the main vehicle involved in accidents (74.3%). The most affected body portions during accidents were the extremities (68.3%), and the main diagnoses were sprain, dislocation, and contusion, with 44.6% of cases. Discharge was the outcome for 68.3% of the victims. CONCLUSIONS: These results show the need for preventive measures and control for a traffic with less risk. Preventive measures should be targeted mainly at young male drivers of motorcycles.