Accidental Falls Related to Shovelling Snow from Rooftops: Analysis of Injuries in an Extraordinary Epidemic in Southern Finland

Background and Aims: Exceptional amount of snow led to snow removal attempts from the rooftops resulting in a relative unique and extraordinary epidemic of accidental falls in winter of 2010. Material and Methods: The injury pattern, hospital care, surgical operations, and the total costs of the primary hospital stay of accidentally fallen patients treated in Helsinki University Hospital trauma unit were analyzed. Results: Forty-six patients were admitted to hospital during the study period of three months. Majority of the patients were males (N = 43, 93%) with the average age of 52.9 years. Seven pa-tients were admitted to ICU. The average length of primary hospital stay was 4.7 days with 0% mortality. Total amount of fractures was 65 (63%) of all 97 injuries. The most common injuries were fractures of upper and lower extremity, and spinal column. Conclusions: Preventing similar unnecessary epidemics of accidental falls in the future it is important to have professional opinion of the need of snow removal along with understanding of the risk of injury. Wearing appropriate safety equipments, and use professional help when necessary is advisable. Language: en