1. A 22-year history of treating intentional falls from the Golden Gate Bridge at Marin Health Medical Center
- Author
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John Maa, MD, Jonathan Levin, MD, James Minnis, MD, MPH, Benjamin Stahl, MD, Meaghan Carroll, RN, MSN, Laura Pajari, RN, BSN, and Edward Alfrey, MD
- Subjects
Surgery ,RD1-811 - Abstract
Background: The historical mortality rate after falling from the Golden Gate Bridge has been approximately 98%. We report on 14 recent survivors treated at Marin Health Medical Center. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the 22-year experience of treating patients after Golden Gate Bridge falls. Patients with signs of life when recovered by the Coast Guard were included. Results: Marin General Hospital treated 26 patients with an average age of 28.2 years. The mortality rate was 46.2% with an increased survival over the past decade compared to the first 12 years, 61% vs 37%, P = not significant. The average injury severity score was 29.3 and was significantly lower over the past decade (43.9 vs 22.8, P = .004). The leading injuries were hemothorax/pneumothorax (73%), spine fractures (65%), lung contusions (50%), rib fractures (50%), and solid organ injury (46%). Patients with major cardiovascular injuries were significantly more likely to expire, 88% vs 28%, P = .009. Conclusion: The pattern of injury leading to death after an intentional fall from the Golden Gate Bridge has not changed significantly over the decades.
- Published
- 2022
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