injury – Michmutters
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Australia

E-scooters help Australia’s net-zero goals, but medics warn about long-term injuries

Traumatic brain injuries, severe dislocations, and broken bones are some of the injuries Graeme Maw has seen come through the Townsville University Hospital from electric scooter (e-scooter) accidents.

Emergency physician Dr Maw says staff would support a ban on the two-wheeled devices, as new research shows half of the riders are making potentially life-threatening decisions on Queensland roads.

He said approximately one person per day was presenting to the hospital with injuries ranging from skin abrasions to significant head trauma.

“Lots and lots of soft tissue injury, extensive grazing and abrasions. Lots and lots of lacerations that require suturing up,” Dr Maw said.

“Often, these patients go on to suffer relatively significant long-term impacts from these sort of injuries.

“There was one young man who came off a scooter after drinking. He came in deeply unconscious and was sent to intensive care. He went from being a functioning member of society with a job to spending months and months in hospital and rehabilitation.”

A serious looking middle-aged man with slicked back hair, standing in hospital ward with equipment, wearing blue scrubs.
Dr Maw says about one person per day presents with an e-scooter injury.(Supplied)

The Townsville University Hospital has been collecting data on the frequency of e-scooter accidents since the ride-sharing devices arrived in the city in 2020.

Dr Maw said about 50 per cent of patients presenting to an emergency were not wearing a helmet, and more than 75 per cent were under the influence of alcohol when an incident occurred.

The data showed 70 per cent of patients presenting to the hospital with e-scooter injuries were male, with the majority in the 18–30 age group.

Man rides e-scooter down a tree-lined street.
The data shows 70 per cent of patients presenting to Townsville University Hospital with e-scooter injuries are male.(ABC North Queensland: Rachael Merritt)

But Dr Maw said the true extent of cases was being under-reported.

“It’s not just the people riding the scooters. We’ve had a few innocent bystanders knocked over,” he said.

“Not everybody who comes off an e-scooter ends up going to the emergency department.

“A lot of patients head to GPs, private hospitals, and some may not seek medical attention at all.”

Calls for help becoming ‘more frequent’

Queensland Ambulance Senior Operations Supervisor Wayne Paxton, from the Townsville district, said paramedics were responding to an e-scooter crash at least once or twice a week.

“It’s starting to become more and more frequent over the weeks and weekends,” Mr Paxton said.

“The types of injuries we deal with can vary from a small cut or abrasion to something like a head injury or fractured leg or shoulder injury.”

Purple e-scooters lined up in front of palm trees with helmets.
Doctors say they have seen cases of traumatic brain injury in Townsville since the scooters were introduced.(ABC North Queensland: Rachael Merritt)

Amid the rising cost of fuel, Mr Paxton said more regional Queenslanders were choosing the cost-effective mode of transport.

He said their popularity would likely continue to rise but warned riders to be aware of the risks.

“I’ve been to accidents where the helmet has been on, but they haven’t done the strap up, and it has come off during the fall,” he said.

“If we don’t have the right education and don’t wear protective equipment … it can certainly lead to serious injuries and, worst-case scenario, more deaths.”

Safety not being taken seriously

With more regional Queensland cities such as Mackay, Rockhampton and Bundaberg taking part in the e-scooter rollout, a recent survey by the state’s peak motoring body found half of the riders admitted to reckless driving behaviour.

Andrew Kirk, principal technical researcher at RACQ, said a crackdown on non-compliant e-scooter users was needed to improve safety, as well as a stronger education campaign.

“Nearly one in 10 riders have had an accident, and over half of those have been injured,” he said.

“That comes down to lack of safety equipment, going too fast and riding in the wrong areas.”

Close up of red safety sign on e-scooter saying ride safely, park responsibly, don't block path, with figures depicting action.
A statewide survey of e-scooter users by RACQ found only a third of riders were aware of the road rules.(ABC North Queensland: Lily Nothling)

Mr Kirk said RACQ had been in talks with e-scooter rental companies to incorporate new technologies, such as onboard cameras, to improve user safety and did not want to see them pulled from the streets.

“It’s getting cars off the road, so it’s reducing vehicle emissions and reducing traffic congestion,” he said.

“They do have a big role to play in Australia’s net-zero goals.

“Most bike riders have adapted to the fact you have to have a helmet on, but for e-scooters we just need to change that mentality to get people to do the right thing.”

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Categories
Sports

Sydney’s Josh Kennedy calls time on illustrious career after another hamstring injury

Sydney Swans champion Josh Kennedy has called time on his illustrious AFL career, days after suffering another hamstring injury.

The 34-year-old midfielder will call it quits at the end of the season, and will give an update on his injury when he fronts the media on Tuesday.

Kennedy played in the Swans’ VFL game against North Melbourne on Sunday as he eyed a return to the senior team but walked off the Arden St oval in pain.

Swans coach John Longmire said after the club’s AFL win over the Kangaroos that Kennedy would have scans on his hamstring to determine any damage.

“It was on the other side (the left), it’s not the [right] hamstring he did early in the season,” Longmire said.

The former co-captain tore his hamstring in the Swans’ round 10 game against Carlton and was sidelined for eight weeks.

Kennedy was an unused sub in the thumping Sydney derby win over GWS in round 20.

The veteran, who has played 290 games, will fall just short of reaching the 300-game milestone.

Josh Kennedy holds the premiership cup above his head in front of Swans fans, while wearing sunglasses and a backwards cap
Josh Kennedy parades the 2012 premiership cup.(Getty Images: Mark Metcalfe)

He has played 13 games for Hawthorn, the club his father and grandfather were icons at, but moved to the Swans in 2010 to seek greater opportunities.

The three-time All-Australian has played 277 games for the Swans, including the club’s 2012 grand final win over the Hawks.

It comes after West Coast legend Josh Kennedy played the last of his 292 games on Sunday, kicking eight goals in his farewell match against Adelaide.

AAP

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Categories
Australia

Mount Isa man in custody over alleged murder of 13yo girl

Mount Isa man Trevor Caulton has been arrested and charged with murder after he allegedly drove a vehicle into a crowd of people, hitting and killing a 13-year-old girl.

Emergency services were called to the corner of Delacour Drive and Dent Street in the Mount Isa suburb of Pioneer after midnight on August 6 and treated the girl for critical head injuries.

Police confirmed she succumbed to her injuries and died at the scene.

Mr Caulton’s lawyer appeared on his behalf via phone at the Mount Isa Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

A full brief of evidence was being prepared and the case would appear for mention at Mount Isa Magistrate’s Court on September 26.

The victim was identified and her family had been contacted, police said.

Dent and Trainor
Paramedics treated the victims at the site of the incident near Dent Street in Pioneer.(ABC North West Queensland: Emily Dobson)

Fears of retribution prompt police warning

Police have called for calm in the community after the tragedy.

Police man talking in front of microphones at press conference.
Mount Isa Police Acting Superintendent Smith asked the community to assist investigators.(ABC Far North: Brendan Mounter)

“I do have concerns about unrest in the community — this is a distressing case and this poor girl’s life has been taken,” said Mount Isa Police Acting Superintendent Jason Smith.

“We acknowledge the grief in the community and we implore everyone to remain calm around this incident and to assist police with the investigation.

“Sometimes in our community there can be an urge from some to seek retribution. Please know the law has been executed, the alleged offender is in jail and police have done as much as they can.”

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Categories
Sports

Cronulla Sharks, Will Kennedy injury, Tevita Tatola tackle that has left the Sharks seeing

Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon says the match review committee has become “difficult to understand” after he lost fullback Will Kennedy to a serious injury as a result of a hip-drop tackle that went uncharged.

Kennedy isn’t expected back until the final round of the regular season after he was forced to undergo ankle surgery following an ugly tackle by South Sydney’s Tevita Tatola in the 63rd minute of last week’s pulsating golden point battle.

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The incident has attracted very little interest during a week where Brisbane’s Patrick Carrigan was banned for four matches for fracturing Jackson Hastings’ fibula in a shocking tackle just hours after the Kennedy injury.

The Sharks sent an email to the NRL asking why Tatola hadn’t been charged, but the response they got left a lot to be desired just a week after Sharks lock Dale Finucane was suspended for two games for an accidental head clash.

“It’s getting difficult to understand,” Fitzgibbon said, confident that Kennedy may return ahead of schedule.

William Kennedy was the victim of an ugly tackle. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

“No one actually intends to do it. They are unfortunate and they are happening more than normal.

“But we lose a good player who’s an important part of our team for an extended period, and there was no charge.

“I didn’t understand the explanation, but it is what it is. The same goes for Dale with the head clash. We’ve got to move on.

“Kade (Dykes) gets an opportunity, which is really exciting. When things like that happen, you really don’t want to get stuck and dwell on what you can’t control. All I can control is the team that’s going to play this weekend.”

There is a silver lining to all of this, with Dykes set to make his NRL debut on Saturday in front of a packed house on Old Boys’ Day.

It’s a huge moment for the local junior who will become a third-generation Shark and will follow in the footsteps of dad, Adam, and grandfather, John.

Dykes has been in red-hot form in reserve grade, scoring eight tries and setting up another nine in his 13 games this season where he’s split time between fullback and in the halves.

Lachie Miller and his teammates celebrate a stunning try. Picture: NRL PhotosSource: Supplied

He’s been playing so well that he’s even pipped former sevens star Lachie Miller, who scored a slashing try on debut for Cronulla back in round 11.

“His form for Newtown has gotten to a point where (picking) him was undeniable,” Fitzgibbon said.

“We had a couple of weeks where we were rotating between him and Lachie Miller. Both really were pressing for selection. He’s got really good balance and speed and footwork so hopefully we can see some of his best attributes from him tomorrow.

“It was a hard decision based on Lachie’s debut.

“If you have a rewards system based on NSW Cup, training, performance etc, then Kade got to a point where it warranted an opportunity.

“I will say Lachie has been performing well and has been pressing for selection as well, so Lachie has some utility value and I do see Lachie playing again for us soon.

“It was difficult in that regard but also really exciting for Kade because he earned the opportunity.”

The hype around Dykes is already building, but his coach is confident the 20-year-old will handle it days after he signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until 2024.

“Young players who are exceptionally talented have a confidence about them so the hype doesn’t affect them too much,” Fitzgibbon said.

“Kade is a confident kid and really confident in his ability, so when you see the way that they mingle with the other players and the way that they train (you’re not worried).

“This is Kade’s first season against has men and he’s been one of the strongest performers in the competition.”

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Categories
Sports

NRL 2022: The shocking tackle that has left the Sharks seeing

Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon says the match review committee has become “difficult to understand” after he lost fullback Will Kennedy to a serious injury as a result of a hip-drop tackle that went uncharged.

Kennedy isn’t expected back until the final round of the regular season after he was forced to undergo ankle surgery following an ugly tackle by South Sydney’s Tevita Tatola in the 63rd minute of last week’s pulsating golden point battle.

The incident has attracted very little interest during a week where Brisbane’s Patrick Carrigan was banned for four matches for fracturing Jackson Hastings’ fibula in a shocking tackle just hours after the Kennedy injury.

The Sharks sent an email to the NRL asking why Tatola hadn’t been charged, but the response they got left a lot to be desired just a week after Sharks lock Dale Finucane was suspended for two games for an accidental head clash.

“It’s getting difficult to understand,” Fitzgibbon said, confident that Kennedy may return ahead of schedule.

“No one actually intends to do it. They are unfortunate and they are happening more than normal.

“But we lose a good player who’s an important part of our team for an extended period, and there was no charge.

“I didn’t understand the explanation, but it is what it is. The same goes for Dale with the head clash. We’ve got to move on.

“Kade (Dykes) gets an opportunity, which is really exciting. When things like that happen, you really don’t want to get stuck and dwell on what you can’t control. All I can control is the team that’s going to play this weekend.”

There is a silver lining to all of this, with Dykes set to make his NRL debut on Saturday in front of a packed house on Old Boys’ Day.

It’s a huge moment for the local junior who will become a third-generation Shark and will follow in the footsteps of dad, Adam, and grandfather, John.

Dykes has been in red-hot form in reserve grade, scoring eight tries and setting up another nine in his 13 games this season where he’s split time between fullback and in the halves.

He’s been playing so well that he’s even pipped former sevens star Lachie Miller, who scored a slashing try on debut for Cronulla back in round 11.

“His form for Newtown has gotten to a point where (picking) him was undeniable,” Fitzgibbon said.

“We had a couple of weeks where we were rotating between him and Lachie Miller. Both really were pressing for selection. He’s got really good balance and speed and footwork so hopefully we can see some of his best attributes from him tomorrow.

“It was a hard decision based on Lachie’s debut.

“If you have a rewards system based on NSW Cup, training, performance etc, then Kade got to a point where it warranted an opportunity.

“I will say Lachie has been performing well and has been pressing for selection as well, so Lachie has some utility value and I do see Lachie playing again for us soon.

“It was difficult in that regard but also really exciting for Kade because he earned the opportunity.”

The hype around Dykes is already building, but his coach is confident the 20-year-old will handle it days after he signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until 2024.

“Young players who are exceptionally talented have a confidence about them so the hype doesn’t affect them too much,” Fitzgibbon said.

“Kade is a confident kid and really confident in his ability, so when you see the way that they mingle with the other players and the way that they train (you’re not worried).

“This is Kade’s first season against has men and he’s been one of the strongest performers in the competition.”

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Categories
Sports

The pain behind Andrew Fifita’s emotional celebration

Sharks veteran Andrew Fifita couldn’t hear the home crowd chanting his name on Saturday night when he crashed over for a try that was eerily similar to the one he scored in the 2016 grand final.

And while he would have loved to have heard the support from the Cronulla faithful, the only support he’s really cared about over the past 12 months has been from his partner who has been there for him after the scariest moment of their lives.

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The Sharks should finish in the top four thanks to Andrew Fifita's try.  Picture: Matt King/Getty Images
The Sharks should finish in the top four thanks to Andrew Fifita’s try. Picture: Matt King/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Fifita suffered a shocking throat injury and spent several days in an induced coma last season, but before he got to the hospital, he messaged his wife telling her that he didn’t think he’d survive.

“That’s why I was a lot more emotional when I went over,” he said of his special celebration.

“It’s been a long time, especially for my missus. What she went through, especially in this round, that’s why it felt way more emotional. I think the excitement got the better of me and I started pointing at her saying, ‘See, you don’t believe me’.

“It did get the better of me.

“It’s Women in League round so I wanted to do this for her, but she didn’t believe me. I told her I was going to go over – I had a feeling – and it came true.”

Saturday’s try was the first time Fifita had scored in the NRL since 2020, and it brought back memories of his legendary four-pointer against the Storm in the 2016 decider.

Andrew Fifita scored the most famous try in Sharks history. Picture: Phil HillyardSource: Supplied

That one was in the 68th minute, while this one was a few seconds earlier, and it could prove telling for Cronulla’s top-four hopes.

But can you compare them?

“Por favor. That was the best try in the club’s history so it won’t go near it. I’m just grateful to get over the paint,” he said.

It’s been a long road back for Fifita, who doesn’t play the big minutes he used to.

But if he can chime in with big plays in clutch moments, then he looms as a wildcard for their premiership push.

“That was vintage Andrew,” skipper Wade Graham said.

“He’s worked hard and he’s a great character to have around the place with how much care he has for the team and the club.

“When he has energy, the team has energy – not just the team – but the club as well. You heard the crowd after the try chanting his name from him. ”

Those chants were so loud that you would’ve been able to hear them through the TV even if you had it on mute, yet there was one person who missed it.

“I honestly didn’t hear it,” Fifita said.

Cronulla Sharks press conference | 08:39

“Everyone was saying it, but I sh*t you not, I was saying to the boys ‘what do you mean Andrew chant’.

“When you’re out there it’s different, so you can’t really hear the crowd. You hear them roaring, but I didn’t hear it, and that’s what everyone was saying. I came in here and Dale (Finucane) was going ‘Andrew’.

“I’m grateful. At least I’ve left my touch on here, so I’m all good.”

The try caps a difficult couple of years for Fifita, who spent time in reserve grade playing with the Jets but will now need to step up with Royce Hunt likely to miss a few weeks with a shoulder injury.

“I wanted to play, and I’m forever grateful for Newtown because they brought the love of footy back in for me,” he said.

“Playing big minutes and having some fun on the ball, it was just one of those times.

“Did I think I’d get back? I knew I’d get back to the NRL – that was always there – but the thing for me was about getting back after the accident.”

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