Winter storm-related injuries in Oklahoma, January 2007.

Introduction: A January 2007 ice storm occurred in Oklahoma, causing power outages and hazardous travel conditions. The objective of this investigation was to describe the nature of winter storm-related injuries among Oklahoma residents, to determine populations at risk, and to inform prevention-planning personnel.

Methods: Winter storm-related injuries were a temporarily reportable condition; all acute-care hospitals and the state medical examiner logged storm-related injuries and deaths during January 12-30, 2007.

Increase in unintentional medication overdose deaths: Oklahoma, 1994-2006.

Background: During 1999-2006, rates of unintentional drug-related deaths increased 120% in the U.S.

Purpose: This report describes demographics and trends of unintentional medication overdose deaths among Oklahoma residents to target prevention strategies.

All-terrain vehicle crash factors and associated injuries in patients presenting to a regional trauma center.

Background: It is widely accepted that all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) can be dangerous to operators. Understanding the mechanisms of ATV crashes, especially rollovers, can provide important insight to consumers, legislators, and manufacturers on ATV safety and protection of the users.

Methods: From March 1, 2003 to July 31, 2005, all patients with ATV-related injuries presenting to a regional trauma center were enrolled in an ATV crash data bank.

Evaluation of death certificate-based surveillance for traumatic brain injury--Oklahoma 2002.

Objectives: Death certificate data are used to estimate state and national incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related deaths. This study evaluated the accuracy of this estimate in Oklahoma and examined the case characteristics of those persons who experienced a TBI-related death but whose death certificate did not reflect a TBI.

Methods: Data from Oklahoma's vital statistics multiple-cause-of-death database and from the Oklahoma Injury Surveillance System database were analyzed for TBI deaths that occurred during 2002.

Mechanisms of head injury in bull riders with and without the Bull Tough helmet--a case series.

Introduction: Bull riding is one of the most dangerous sporting activities of the modern era. Head injuries are common in bull riders, yet helmets and faceguards are rarely mandated in competitive bull riding events and few participants use such protective headgear.

Objective: The purpose of examining this case series was to characterize head and face injuries in bull riders, to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms associated with the various injury types and to assess the effect of wearing the Bull Tough Helmet (BTH).

All-terrain vehicle-related central nervous system injuries in Oklahoma.

Objective: Determine the statewide, population-based incidence and epidemiology of all-terrain vehicle (ATV)-related severe central nervous system (CNS) injuries in Oklahoma.

Methods: Hospitalized and fatal traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries are reportable conditions in Oklahoma. Professionally trained staff reviewed all medical examiner and hospital medical records.

Risk of tornado-related death and injury in Oklahoma, May 3, 1999.

On May 3, 1999, powerful tornadoes, including a category F5 tornado, swept through Oklahoma. The authors examined all tornado-related deaths, hospital admissions, and emergency department visits to identify important risk factors. Data on deaths and injuries directly related to the tornadoes and information obtained from a survey of residents in the damage path of the F5 tornado were used in a case-control analysis.

Planning + practice = preparedness: a case study in injury prevention.

At 5:30 p.m. on May 8, 2003, 1,200 employees were at work at the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, General Motors Production Plant when it was hit by an F4 tornado.

Survey analysis to assess the effectiveness of the bull tough helmet in preventing head injuries in bull riders: a pilot study.

Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the effectiveness of the Bull Tough helmet (Bull Tough, Seguin, TX) in preventing head injuries to bull riders. The hypothesis was that this helmet is effective in diminishing the incidence of head injuries in bull riders.

Design: This study was a retrospective study.

The dilemma of 'them' and 'us'.

It would seem that Pamela Chari wood, Director of the Institute of Health Service Management, cannot or will not believe the evidence before her (Letters, Nursing Standard July 17). If she'd read all the articles by Catherine Williams et al in Nursing Standard on why nurses leave the profession, she would have seen that it is indeed a question of 'them' and 'us', and very much so.