Abstract Aim Knife crime is increasing and there is significant morbidity and financial cost associated with stabbing injuries. Understanding the extent of these injuries can help healthcare systems with workforce planning and resource allocation, in addition to providing key insights into patient demographics for policy interventions. This study aims to characterise injuries and demographics of patients experiencing stabbings. Methods A retrospective cohort study including all patients treated with a stabbing or slashing assault injury at a London major trauma centre between 2019–2024. Data was obtained and analysed from the major trauma registry. Results 2218 patients presented to the MTC over the six-year analysis, 95% of patients being male. The median age of patients was 28.5 and the age group with the most prevalent number of incidents was 18–24. 2033 patients were brought in by ambulance and there were 21 patient deaths. Sites of injury were grouped into head and neck (n = 263); facial (n = 165); upper limb (n = 539); chest (n = 296); abdomen (n = 222); back (n = 216) and lower limb (n = 497). 932 patients were discharged home from ED. Of those who were admitted, the average length of stay was 2.65 days and 5% were admitted to ITU. Conclusions Stabbing injuries present significant challenge to major trauma services. Factors such as age, gender and socioeconomic background significantly influence risk. The data highlights an opportunity for public health interventions and the nature of stabbings would support downstream resource allocation and specialty cover.
Sembi et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
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