Summary
- Researchers highlight a rising toll of serious injuries linked to the expanded Mexico-US border wall crossing, leading to a humanitarian and health crisis.
- The border wall extension in Southern California has resulted in an increase in severe cerebrovascular, orthopedic, and spinal injuries caused by falls.
- A study identified 597 injured patients from 38 different countries who attempted to cross the San Diego segment of the border wall, with most patients being discharged with inadequate follow-up care.
- Patients often require multi-specialty trauma care, yet many are not given appropriate post-discharge care, hindering recovery from potentially disabling injuries.
- The study highlights the need for interventions at all levels to reduce harm for migrants attempting to cross the US-Mexico border.
Researchers have observed a growing number of serious injuries occurring at the Mexico-US border wall crossing, leading to a “humanitarian and health crisis.” These injuries are caused by falls from the wall, with an increase in cerebrovascular, orthopedic, and spinal injuries reported since the wall was extended and heightened in Southern California. Many patients hail from various countries, highlighting the global nature of the issue.
A study conducted at a Level 1 Trauma Center in Southern California found that injured migrants from 38 different countries were admitted for treatment, with the majority being discharged outside of the San Diego area. Despite requiring complex trauma care and surgical interventions, many patients do not receive appropriate follow-up care after discharge, which can hinder their recovery from potentially disabling injuries. The lack of follow-up care poses additional challenges for these patients, especially those with post-operative complications.
Overall, the study sheds light on the public health and humanitarian crisis unfolding at the US-Mexico border wall, emphasizing the diverse patient population and the need for interventions to reduce harm. Researchers stress the importance of addressing the underlying factors leading to these injuries, as interventions at all levels are necessary to protect and support migrants during unauthorized border crossings.
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Emergency Medicine, Public Health & Prevention, Trauma Surgery