[Hurricane-related orthopedic surgical admissions to an emergency department in December 1999].

INTRODUCTION: On 3 December, 1999, at 15.00 pm, hurricane Adam struck Esbjerg (Denmark). Wind velocity exceeded 33 m/s, the strongest hurricane ever recorded in Denmark during the last century. This article describes and analyses the orthopaedic impact of the hurricane on a local hospital in Esbjerg. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined retrospectively all the patients treated at the Emergency Department from 3 pm on 3 December and for the following 24 hours. For comparison, we used the records of all patients treated at the Emergency Department in the same time interval on the first three Fridays in December from 1994 to 1998. RESULTS: No hurricane-associated deaths were recorded, but the number of patients treated on 3 December was significantly higher than that recorded in the period 1994-1998 (159 versus 74, p < 0.001). The main diagnosis was similar to that of the previous years, but more people sought treatment at the Emergency Department. Sixty-eight percent of the recorded injuries were injuries to the upper and lower extremities and 22% to the head and neck. DISCUSSION: Hurricanes can lead to substantial morbidity and mortality. Early warning is the most effective way of reducing death and injury. People should seek cover and follow the instructions given by the news media. Educational programmes for the medical staff of the Emergency Department should be made available.