Abstract

Falls from trees and other tree related injuries are one of the most common causes of trauma in parts of rural Kashmir, particularly, during the harvest season. A one year review of all admissions for trauma, due to falling from trees, to the Accident and Emergency Department of Government Medical College Srinagar was carried out. The study revealed that walnut trees are the most commonly involved trees in such cases. It was the 4th most common cause of trauma related admissions during harvest season. There was only one female admitted with such trauma out of 106 patients. Forearm fractures were the most common injuries overall. Head and chest trauma were the commonest causes of death. There are many strategies for preventing such injuries; the most important being to stop small boys from climbing tall trees and also the more frequent use of grafted walnut trees. Such falls are a serious occupational hazard for many subsistence farmers.

Key words: Injury, trees, fall, walnut tree.