Many people who suffer an urban free-fall are intoxicated on drugs and/or alcohol.
The landing surface is not described but is usually solid. Landing on a soft surface that might cushion the blow would be less likely.
|
Height Fallen
|
Percent Injured
|
Percent Fatal
|
|
<= 10 feet
|
49%
|
0%
|
|
11 - 20 feet
|
57%
|
2%
|
|
21 - 30 feet
|
92%
|
5%
|
|
31 - 60 feet
|
100%
|
20%
|
|
> 60 feet
|
100%
|
usually fatal
|
Common injuries:
(1) fractures of the extremities
(2) fractures of the vertebral spine
(3) fractures of the pelvis
(4) head and craniofacial injuries
(5) intra-abdominal organ injury
(5a) solid organ lacerations (liver and spleen)
(5b) small bowel perforation or injury to the mesentery
(5c) rupture of the urinary bladder
Less common injuries:
(1) other fractures
(2) intracranial hemorrhage (epidural or subdural)
(3) retroperitoneal injuries
(4) vascular rupture or pseudoaneurysms (aorta, major artery)
(5) pulmonary contusion or tear
Injuries that may need to be specifically excluded so that they are not overlooked:
(1) fractures of the vertebral spine
(2) vascular injuries
(3) intra-abdominal trauma
Complications:
(1) ARDS
(2) multiple organ failure
(3) neurologic deficits
