As the holiday season approaches, Queensland’s paediatric trauma service team is issuing a warning about the dangers associated with electric scooters. This caution comes in response to a notable increase in severe injuries and fatalities involving electric scooters this year.
Since the introduction of an e-scooter city-hire scheme in Brisbane in November 2018, there has been a concerning trend in injuries related to electric scooters. Between 2019 and 2023, 40 children were hospitalized due to e-scooter incidents, with 11 more admissions in just the first half of 2024 at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.
The trauma team at the Queensland Children’s Hospital is emphasizing the importance of parents taking steps to reduce the risks associated with children using electric scooters. They recommend strict adherence to safety measures such as wearing helmets and observing speed limits. To aid in this effort, the team has developed a mnemonic to help parents remember the essential rules.
Nurse Trauma Manager Tona Gillen highlighted that e-scooters are intended for individuals over the age of sixteen and are primarily designed for adult commuters. In Queensland, the maximum speed limit for e-scooters is set at 25km/hr, with riders required to wear protective helmets.
The mnemonic developed by the QCH Trauma Service Team outlines key safety principles, including following designated paths, avoiding alcohol consumption while riding, and always wearing a helmet. These guidelines are crucial for preventing serious injuries.
The data collected from e-scooter accidents revealed that head injuries, extremity fractures, and multi-trauma were the most common injuries among children. The severity of these injuries often correlated with factors such as high speeds, riding with multiple passengers, and not wearing helmets.
Wearing helmets correctly significantly reduces the risk of severe head injuries. E-scooters’ design, with small wheels that can easily slip on uneven surfaces, coupled with the rider’s higher center of gravity, makes stability crucial for safe riding.
While regulations and legislation surrounding e-scooters vary globally, some countries classify them as motor vehicles requiring licenses and insurance. The increasing number of e-scooter-related injuries underscores the need for comprehensive safety measures and potential legal considerations.
Healthcare workers, particularly those in pediatric trauma units, face significant emotional challenges when dealing with the aftermath of e-scooter accidents. The rise in e-scooter injuries has led to an increased risk of vicarious trauma among healthcare professionals.
As the Queensland Children’s Hospital continues to collect data on pediatric trauma cases related to e-scooters, it is evident that stricter safety measures and public awareness campaigns are essential to prevent further injuries and fatalities.
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