CHARACTERIZATION OF INJURIES FROM WEAPONS AND BLOWS ATTENDED BY THE EMERGENCY TRAUMA SERVICE IN THE CITY OF LONDRINA-PR

Abstract

This descriptive, retrospective study characterizes the wounds caused by edged/blunt weapons and firearms and the wounds resulting from bodily blows (kicks, punches etc) which were dealt with by the Emergency Trauma Unit in the town of Londrina, in Paraná State. Among them, 54.1% were physical blows; 32.5% were wounds caused by firearms and 13.4% were wounds caused by edged or blunt weapons. All were more prevalent in victims who were male and of reproductive age. The most critical periods were night-time (65.6%) and weekends; the locations where incidents happened were the east and west of the city. The principal wounds resulting from blows were laceration-contusion wounds to the cranium (32.5%); among wounds caused by firearms and edged/blunt weapons, the most common were penetration of the thorax (9.9% and 26%, respectively). ‘Alcohol breath’ was the most commonly identified clinical sign. The study suggests actions for violence prevention in the most affected areas of the city, as well as educational measures to reduce alcohol consumption.

Keywords

• First aid
• Injuries and wounds
• Violence