JUNE 2003 - Alberta Centre for Injury Control & Research

Impact of injuires on the health system
The following data describe the specific injury challenges in Alberta and the
impact of injury on the health system as one indicator of the burden of
injuries. While the rates show a downward trend, costs are still too high
considering that most injuries and their consequences are preventable.
To fully understand the impact of injuries, it is helpful to visualize the
proportion of injury deaths to injury hospitalizations to injury emergency
room visits. Figure B-6 illustrates the relationship and shows the
progressive impact of mortality and morbidity injuries.
Figure B-6
Proportion of injury deaths to injury
hospitalizations to injury emergency room visits,
Alberta, 1998-1999
Proportions of Injury Deaths to Injury Hospitalisations to
Injury Emergency Room Visits, Alberta, 1998-1999
Deaths
2778
1
Hospital
88316
ER Visits
815077
32 293
Source: Health Surveillance, Alberta Health and Wellness
For every injury that resulted in death, another 32 required hospitalization
and another 293 required a visit to the emergency department. This does not
include injuries treated outside hospital settings (e.g., physician offices,
occupational health sites or are self managed).
Making Alberta the Safest Place to Live
68