Abstract
The 1986 World's Exposition in Vancouver with over 22 million visits had a significant impact on the Emergency Department of the local pediatric facility, B.C's Children's Hospital. A total of 559 children visited Emergency as a result of the fair-366 in town for Expo and 193 who developed problems at the site, accounting for a 6% increase in emergency visits.
Fifty percent of visits were trauma related compared to yearly average of 25%, while 62% of patients arriving from the site suffered trauma, mainly of a minor nature. These 119 site injuries included contusions (30), lacerations (25), and head injuries (22). The most common medical problems overall were viral illnesses (64), otitis media (63), gastroenteritis (35) and asthma (26).
The average age was 6.99 years. An increased number (36%) arrived on weekends and holidays. While most Canadians have medical coverage, one hundred and seventy six patients were not insured. An additional strain was placed on laboratory facilities and pharmacy, 242 prescriptions were given. There were 24 hospital admissions; one pediatric death at the site did not reach our facility.
These findings are of importance for cities planning similar events in future.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hlady, L., McNab, A., Smith, D. et al. EXPO 86 - THE EFFECT ON A PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT. Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 257 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00539
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00539