ALCOHOL, DRUG USE, AND INJURIES IN TRAFFIC CRASHES AND ABUSES TREATED IN EMERGENCY ROOMS

Abstract

Following the regional protocol designed by the PAHO alcohol and drug program, the relative frequency of injuries in traffi c crashes and injuries, which reached an emergency center with alcohol and / or drugs, Th e Casimiro Ulloa National Hospital (HEJCU) was chosen for the period October 2018 to July 2019. Th e study population was that of the patients who gave us informed consent and the team in charge of sampling, fi lled out the ad-hoc form and collected the results of the breathalyzer and drug test. Th e high frequency of patients who did not give their consent would reveal the high degree of sensitivity towards the detection of alcoholics and drug addicts existing in the city, 15% of alcoholics were detected, 5% of marijuana users, 3% of cocaine and one opiate. An association was detected between alcohol and drug use. Th e drug detection program should incorporate a drug detection system, which should be extended to pedestrians.