MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report
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MMWR Morb. Mortal. Wkly. Rep. · Apr 2007
Case ReportsHypothermia-related mortality--Montana, 1999-2004.
Hypothermia, defined as a core body temperature of <95 degrees F (35 degrees C), occurs in persons exposed to excessive cold. Although hypothermia can be fatal, it also is preventable. Risk factors for death from hypothermia include advanced age, substance abuse, altered mental status, and increased contact with substances that promote heat loss, such as water. ⋯ S. rate overall. This report describes three examples of case reports of hypothermia-related deaths in Montana during 2005-2006, summarizes hypothermia-related mortality in the state during 1999-2004 (the most recent period for which annual data were available), and discusses hypothermia risk factors and prevention measures. Enhanced education and intervention strategies, particularly targeted to older adults, might reduce the number of deaths from hypothermia in Montana.
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MMWR Morb. Mortal. Wkly. Rep. · Apr 2007
Nail-gun injuries treated in emergency departments--United States, 2001-2005.
Speed, ease of use, and ready availability have made pneumatic nail guns a common tool used in work settings such as residential construction and wood-product fabrication. In addition, the tools are now readily available to consumers, extending to the public what had been primarily a potential work-related hazard. To characterize nail-gun injuries in work and nonwork settings, patients with nail-gun injuries treated in U. ⋯ This report describes the results of that analysis, which indicated that during the 5-year period 2001-2005, an average of approximately 37,000 patients with injuries related to nail-gun use were treated annually in EDs, with 40% of injuries (14,800) occurring among consumers. In addition, data on ED-treated injuries indicated that, in 2005, nail-gun injuries among consumers were approximately three times higher than in 1991 (4,200). Additional measures are needed to prevent nail-gun injuries among both workers and consumers.