An analysis of marine animal injuries presenting to emergency departments in Victoria, Australia

Abstract

Objective. To describe the epidemiology of marine animal injury in Victoria, Australia, in order to identify risk factors and recommend prevention strategies. Methods. Retrospective, descriptive study of patients with marine animal injuries who presented to Victorian emergency departments between October 1995 and June 2000. Data were obtained from the Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset. The main outcome measures were the marine animal involved; the nature, time, and place of injury; and subject demographics and activity. Results.-Two hundred five injuries were identified, and males predominated (71.7%, P < .01). Injuries were most frequent during summer and when jellyfish were most prevalen..