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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Carrie E. Huisingh, MPH, Gregory Steele, DrPH, MPH, and Joseph O' Neil, MD. Dept. of Public Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1050 Wishard Blvd., RG 4165, Indianapolis, IN 46202, 317-274-3174, carriehuisingh@hotmail.com

This is the first study that describes the epidemiology of elevator-related injuries among older adults aged 65 and older in the United States between 1990 and 2002. This is a retrospective analysis of data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Reported cases were used to project national estimates and rates of elevator-related injuries. There were an estimated 32,200 elevator-related injuries, including 18 fatalities. The overall injury rate was 7.35 per 100,000 population. The mean age of the study population was 80.2 years (range 65-104 ) with 76.6% female. The most frequently injured body parts were the upper extremities and the head. The most frequent cause of injury was slipping, tripping or falling or the elevator door closing on a body part. Most injuries occurred in hospitals (31.3%), or nursing homes (31.1%). The leading type of injury was soft tissue injuries followed by fractures; of these 32% were to the hip. The hip fracture rate increased with age. Individuals aged 85-89 had a fracture rate of 3.72 per 100,000 and were 26.9 times more likely to have hip fracture than individuals age 65-69. Injuries associated with passenger elevators do occur fairly frequently and are associated with slip, trip or falls or the door closing. Older adults should use caution when entering or leaving an elevator. This study highlights risks and opportunities to improve the safety of older adults using passenger elevators.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Assess the frequency of elevator-related injuries in older adults.
• Identify the most common reasons for types of injuries and body regions injured during elevator-related events.
• Discuss opportunities to reduce elevator-related injuries in older adults.

Keywords: Injuries, Elderly

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered