An analysis of escalator-related injuries in an emergency department

Abstract

Background: Escalator-related injuries have been considered uncommon and most likely to occur in children. In this study, we described the epidemiology of these injuries with focus on the aged population in order to determine whether escalators are safe for the aged, and to obtain information to help in preventing escalator-related injuries. Methods: A prospective survey was taken to identify the number and nature of these injuries from May 2004 to December 2008. We enrolled patients who had sustained escalator-related injuries. A standard list of questions and answers were recorded by the emergency physician. A total of 104 questionnaires were completed during the study period. Results:The average patient age was 59.2 +/- 24.0 years (range 1-94). There were 64 (61.5%) females. Only 11(10.6%) were younger than 15 years old, and 59 (56.7%) were aged 65 or above; 35(59.3%) of the aged people were injured while standing on the escalator. However, out of the 45 patients younger than age 65, 22 (48.9%) were injured from walking on a moving escalator. Head injury was the commonest site of injury overall and all were due to fall or slipping down. Conclusions: Escalator-related injuries are not as rare as previously believed and the aged population 65 years old or above is the highest risk group. In particular, walking on a moving escalator was the main cause of injury in people under age 65. Therefore, primary prevention strategies are needed to prevent users from walking on escalators, especially young people, and educate aged people the safe utilization of escalators to prevent slip and fall injuries. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2010;17:212-217)