Accidents on board merchant ships. Suggestions based on Centro Internazionale Radio Medico (CIRM) experience

Abstract

Background: This statistical study was performed to find out the occurrence of accidents on board ships assisted by Centro Internazionale Radio Medico (CIRM) during the years 2010–2015, with the aim of providing suggestions in accident prevention, based on such a wide experience.

Materials and methods: The case histories of CIRM in the years 2010–2015 were examined. The total number of accidents per year was calculated and compared as a percentage with the total number of cases assisted by CIRM per year.

Results: The incidence of accidents on board in these years ranged between 14.4% and 18.4% of total cases assisted per year, which is constantly increasing. The most common injuries on board among cases treated by CIRM were contusions and wounds. Also burns and eye injuries were significantly represented. Multiple injuries and head injuries were found to be the most frequent cause of death on board due to an accident.

Conclusions: More information on the occurrence and type of accidents and on the body injured areas should represent the basis for developing strategies and campaigns for their prevention.