Injury Patterns and Outcomes Associated With Elderly Trauma Victims in Kingston, Ontario

This study characterizes the common injuries incurred by elderly trauma victims & identifies the most frequent complications & outcomes. Elderly trauma cases accounted for 125 of 460 trauma admissions over 3 years (March 2000-April 2003) to an academic hospital in Kingston, Ontario. 3% of admissions were due to suicide or self-inflicted injury. Patients who suffered injury as a result of a suicide attempt experienced relatively few complications. Mortality associated with burns & suicide was quite high which may account for the low number of complications. 1 of the 4 patients admitted because of a suicide attempt died. (39 refs.)