
doi: 10.1272/jnms.84.294
pmid: 29279561
Although bear-inflicted human injuries are rare and the mortality rate of the injuries is usually not high, the chances of bear-human interactions have been increasing, with fatal cases being reported in Japan every year. The aim of this study was to report a series of bear-inflicted injuries and discuss their management and severity.A retrospective study was performed at the emergency and critical care center of Aizu Chuo Hospital, a tertiary care center in Japan, from May 2013 to September 2015. During this period, we encountered 14 black bear injury patients (12 men and 2 women).Six victims were attacked in dense forests while collecting wild vegetables; 4 victims were attacked near their houses. Lacerations of the scalp and face were the most frequent injuries, affecting 13 patients. Three patients developed hemorrhagic shock. Injury severity scores ranged from 2 to 12 (median value, 6). None of the injuries was fatal. Thirteen patients were transported by the local fire department's ambulances, 9 of whom were transferred to doctor ambulances.Although the severity and mortality rate following bear-inflicted injuries are not high, these encounters usually take place in remote rural areas, so a delay in rescue and proper care can lead to the incident becoming fatal. Hence, early decisions and arrangements for patient transportation to a tertiary care center and prompt measures to save lives will have a positive impact on the consequences of such incidents.
Adult, Aged, 80 and over, Male, Emergency Medical Services, Risk Management, Scalp, Time Factors, Trauma Severity Indices, Middle Aged, Shock, Hemorrhagic, Japan, Animals, Humans, Wounds and Injuries, Female, Facial Injuries, Ursidae, Aged, Retrospective Studies
Adult, Aged, 80 and over, Male, Emergency Medical Services, Risk Management, Scalp, Time Factors, Trauma Severity Indices, Middle Aged, Shock, Hemorrhagic, Japan, Animals, Humans, Wounds and Injuries, Female, Facial Injuries, Ursidae, Aged, Retrospective Studies
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