E-Scooters: A Common Cause of Head Injuries
Scooter mishap results in urgent first aid required
Navigating the urban jungle just got a little harder, thanks to e-scooters. These handy devices, designed to bridge the gap between public transport and home, are conveniently accessible in major cities. However, ease of access seems to be clashing with necessary safety measures, according to Christopher Spering of the German Society of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU). Due to their maximum speed of 20 km/h, serious accidents can occur if a mishap arises during a ride.
Emergency First Aid Rules
In the event of an e-scooter mishap, the DGOU advises remembering some crucial first aid rules:
- Always dial 112, secure the scene, and care for the injured until help arrives. Avoid leaving them alone.
- Check for breathing and position the injured person in the recovery position if breathing is present.
- If there is a suspicion of a head injury, keep the head stable and refrain from moving the person. If the recovery position is necessary, minimize turning the head.
- Apply pressure to a wound with a clean cloth to stop severe bleeding.
- Avoid moving affected limbs if visible bone fractures are present; if possible, stabilize them.
Head Injuries: Helmets Offer Crucial Protection
A study conducted by the Clinic for Trauma Surgery at the Technical University of Munich has revealed that head injuries are the most common type in e-scooter accidents. The DGOU suggests wearing helmets, although there's no legal obligation to do so at present.
Riding an e-scooter safely involves driving under the speed limit of 20 km/h, avoiding alcohol consumption, and ensuring good visibility, especially at night. The study found that most e-scooter accidents happen at night and under the influence of alcohol, with men typically affected.
Studies suggest that helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85%. Wearing one can also drastically decrease the incidence and severity of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Despite this, helmet usage among e-scooter riders remains relatively low, with some studies reporting as little as 1% helmet usage or only a quarter of riders wearing helmets.
Regarding helmet laws, the regulatory landscape is inconsistent across cities and countries. Some places enforce mandatory helmet usage, leading to increased helmet usage rates, while others merely recommend helmet use, contributing to low rates of helmet wearing. In places with helmet mandates, rental companies usually provide helmets to users.
In conclusion, helmets significantly reduce the risk and severity of head injuries in e-scooter accidents, but helmet laws are inconsistent, resulting in low helmet usage in regions without mandatory legislation. Public health messaging and legislative efforts to increase helmet use could enhance e-scooter safety in major cities worldwide.
- Science has shown that safety measures should be prioritized while using e-scooters in the workplace-wellness context.
- The German Society of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU) warns that incidents related to medical conditions, such as chronic-diseases and chronic-kidney-disease, can be exacerbated by e-scooter accidents.
- Children and elderly individuals, who are prone to respiratory-conditions, are advised to avoid using e-scooters due to the associated risks.
- In addition to physical health, eye-health should also be considered when using e-scooters, as common eye injuries can occur during accidents.
- Health-and-wellness advocates recommend fitness-and-exercise for maintaining a strong immune system, which can help minimize the impact of potential e-scooter accidents.
- Mental-health concerns, such as stress and anxiety, should not be overlooked during e-scooter use.
- Skin-care is essential for protecting the skin from abrasions, sunburn, and other injuries that can occur during e-scooter accidents.
- Therapies-and-treatments, including pain management and physical rehabilitation, may be necessary following an e-scooter accident.
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and can aid in recovery after an e-scooter accident.
- Some studies suggest that CBD can help alleviate post-accident pain and promote overall well-being for those who have experienced sports-related injuries.
- Skin-conditions, including minor cuts, burns, and rashes, can develop on the body during e-scooter use and subsequent accidents.
- Engaging in sports like soccer, football, baseball, hockey, golf, and tennis can improve balance and agility, reducing the risk of e-scooter accidents.
- Sports-betting can lead to financial stress, which may influence decision-making and potentially the risk-taking behavior associated with e-scooter use.
- European-leagues, such as premier-league, nba, nhl, and grand-prix, have strict safety measures in place to prevent accidents and injuries for their athletes.
- Weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and extreme heat, can create hazardous conditions for e-scooter riding.
- Tennis, a sport that involves speed and agility, can help individuals develop the reflexes needed to navigate crowded city streets safely.
- Sports-analysis has highlighted the importance of defensive strategies in navigating e-scooters, particularly when dealing with other pedestrians or vehicles.
- Auto-racing and mixed-martial-arts, while not directly related to e-scooters, can teach athletes valuable lessons in control, situational awareness, and discipline, which can help improve e-scooter safety.
