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Outdoor Falls in an Urban Context: Winter Weather Impacts and Geographical Variations

  • Quantitative Research
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Canadian Journal of Public Health Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objectives

Environmental factors associated with winter outdoor falls are poorly understood. This study describes the demographic, spatial and temporal distribution of outdoor falls that occurred in Laval and Montréal Island (Canada) in relation to meteorological conditions.

Method

Data on falls, including geographic coordinates, were obtained from ambulance services (December 1, 2008 to January 31, 2009). Meteorological (temperature, precipitation levels) and land use data were used for descriptive analysis and mapping.

Results

During the study period, 3,270 falls required ambulance interventions, of which 960 occurred outdoors. Most people injured outdoors were under 65 years of age (59%). Mapping showed a concentration of outdoor falls in central neighbourhoods and on commercial streets in Montréal. Three episodes of excess falls, representing 47% of all outdoor falls, were preceded by rain and followed by falling temperatures, or were concomitant with freezing rain.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate for the first time the distribution of outdoor falls in a densely populated urban setting with a northern climate. To promote active transportation, it is essential to take into account the safety of pedestrian travel. Snow removal and de-icing operations in municipalities should prioritize areas with high pedestrian activity.

Résumé

Objectifs

Les facteurs environnementaux liés aux chutes extérieures en hiver sont méconnus. Cette étude décrit l’ampleur et la localisation des chutes extérieures survenues à Montréal et à Laval (Canada), ainsi que les conditions météorologiques associées.

Méthodologie

Les caractéristiques des chutes extérieures, incluant la localisation géographique, proviennent des interventions ambulancières (1er décembre 2008 au 31 janvier 2009). L’analyse descriptive inclut les données météorologiques (température, précipitations) et l’occupation du territoire.

Résultats

En deux mois, 3 270 chutes ont nécessité une intervention ambulancière, dont 960 chutes extérieures. La majorité (59 %) des personnes blessées à l’extérieur ont moins de 65 ans. La cartographie montre une concentration des chutes extérieures dans les quartiers centraux montréalais et sur les rues commerciales. Trois épisodes d’excès de chutes, qui représentent 47 % des chutes extérieures, sont associées à la pluie suivie d’un refroidissement ou au verglas.

Conclusion

Ces résultats démontrent l’étendue et la localisation du problème des chutes extérieures dans un milieu urbain densément peuplé, soumis au climat nordique. La promotion des transports actifs implique une prise en compte de la sécurité des déplacements à pied. Dans les municipalités, les opérations de déneigement et d’épandage d’abrasif devraient prioriser les zones de forte affluence piétonne.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Direction de santé publique de l’Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de Montréal, Sherbrooke Est, (, Québec), 1301, QC, H2L 1M3, Montréal, Canada

    Patrick Morency MD, PhD, Stephanie Burrows PhD & Sophie Goudreau

  2. Université de Montréal, Département de médecine sociale et préventive, QC, Montréal, Canada

    Patrick Morency MD, PhD & Corinne Voyer MSc

  3. CRCHUM, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, QC, Montréal, Canada

    Patrick Morency MD, PhD

Authors
  1. Patrick Morency MD, PhD
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  2. Corinne Voyer MSc
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  3. Stephanie Burrows PhD
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  4. Sophie Goudreau
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Patrick Morency MD, PhD.

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Conflict of Interest: None to declare.

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Morency, P., Voyer, C., Burrows, S. et al. Outdoor Falls in an Urban Context: Winter Weather Impacts and Geographical Variations. Can J Public Health 103, 218–222 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403816

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403816

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