Trauma on farms in the Republic of Ireland

Abstract

Background: Farming is the most dangerous occupation in high-income countries worldwide. However, there is a lack of descriptive literature in this area. Injuries on farms are increasing, at a time when the cohort of trauma patients generally has become older and more medically complex. Farmers continue to work late in life when other industry workers would be retired. This study describes major trauma occurring on farms in the Republic of Ireland, the demographics of patients and treatments they received.Methods: Data was gathered from the National Office of Clinical Audit Major Trauma Audit (MTA) 2014 to 2016. Patients were included and excluded based on Trauma Audit and Research Network(TARN) inclusion criteria.Results: There were 430 patients included in this study. The median age was 54.5 years (range 1-93). There were 6.3%(n=27) paediatric patients, and 27%(n=116) over 65-year olds. Patients had predominantly low Charlson Comorbidity Index scores (median 0). Patients >65 years had more comorbidities (pConclusions: A substantial proportion of trauma on Irish farms involves older men who have co-morbidities and complexity of medical need. Farm trauma occurs in rural and remote locations with longer journey times to trauma centres and trauma units-this has implications for trauma care education and mode of EMS transport. Older patients who suffer trauma on farms require longer hospital stays and may not return to independent living.</div