Increasing cases of serious injuries due to climbing to pick longan

In just the past 10 days, the Department of Neurosurgery, Vietnam - Cuba Dong Hoi Friendship Hospital (Quang Tri province) has continuously received many patients with severe spinal injuries due to falling while climbing to pick longan and working at heights.

On August 11, Mr. NXL (63 years old, Bo Trach commune) fell from a longan tree, fractured his neck, and luckily saved his life thanks to wearing a helmet. Two days earlier, Mr. NVC (62 years old, Truong Ninh commune) suffered a dislocated cervical spine after falling from a height of 2.5m. More seriously, Ms. D.TPT (58 years old, Hoan Lao commune) had to undergo surgery for multiple injuries: a fractured thoracic spine compressing the spinal cord and a broken heel.

Victim of spinal injury from picking longan to share with neighbors

According to Dr. Nguyen Van Man, Head of the Department of Neurosurgery, many hospitalizations were due to working at heights without any protective equipment. Among them, there was the case of Ms. HTNg. (49 years old, Bac Trach commune) who fell and broke her spine while reaching out to pick longan while drying clothes; Mr. NHT (30 years old, Bac Gianh commune) who collapsed his D12 vertebrae due to falling from a canopy; or Mr. TAD (50 years old, Tan Gianh commune) who fell nearly 3m from a crane, with multiple serious injuries.

Woman suffers multiple injuries after falling from longan tree

In just 10 days, the hospital received 3 cases of cervical spine fractures, 1 case of lumbar spine fractures and 1 case of traumatic brain injury due to falling while climbing to pick longan.

“These accidents leave serious consequences, possibly leading to lifelong disability. In particular, when a fall occurs, absolutely do not lift the patient up. Let the patient lie still, keep the neck and back straight and call an ambulance. Incorrect first aid can cause permanent paralysis,” Dr. Man warned.

Victim fell from longan tree

The common point in the accidents is lack of safety: people climb trees, ladders, work on roofs without safety ropes, without support. In hot weather, the risk of heatstroke and fainting is even higher.

“Labor protection is not only for construction workers. People working at heights also need to equip themselves with safety belts and have someone to assist them. Don't let a "good harvest" of longan turn into a "good harvest" of accidents,” Dr. Man emphasized.

MINH PHONG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/gia-tang-ca-chan-thuong-nang-do-leo-hai-nhan-post808717.html