Spring has arrived and summer isn't far behind. At Mayo Clinic, which includes a rural trauma center located in an agricultural region, we appreciate that along with the change of seasons comes the busy season for farmers and farm families, who are readying equipment and preparing to work the fields. Trauma providers also should be readying themselves to care for farmers who may be injured during this busy time. This issue, therefore, is intended to help our rural providers prepare to care for agricultural workers.

— Terri A. Elsbernd, M.S., R.N., C.N., C.P.E.N., pediatric trauma coordinator at Mayo Clinic Hospital — Saint Marys Campus, in Rochester, Minnesota.

Providers can help change farm practices that put kids in harm's way.

Farm animals cause one-third of farm injuries and about 20 fatalities a year. Most involve blunt trauma to the chest and most are preventable.

Pediatric farm injuries more severe, deadly than nonfarm injuries
Children living and working on farms have more-severe injuries with much higher associated mortality rates than nonfarm kids do. They are also injured at a younger age and are more likely to experience amputations and serious head injuries.

Drowning common in young children and teens
Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental injury in children ages 1 to 14. Many who survive near-drownings are likely to have serious disabilities and require the highest level of care.

See all Trauma, Critical Care and General Surgery in Minnesota Clinical Trials at Mayo Clinic

Healthcare Preparedness & Response 2015
June 1, 2015
This course provides information on the current state of hospital emergency preparedness, including Joint Commission requirements, lessons learned from recent incidents, such as the Boston bombing, and strategies for effective training and evaluation programs.

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