One Wisconsin County's Experience With Fall-Related Mortality

Falls in Wisconsin account for 74.1% of all injury-related deaths for persons 65 years and older. This study describes the rate, demographics, and characteristics of fall-related mortality in one Wisconsin county over an 8-year period from 2005 to 2012. Retrospective review of 841 death investigation records of Waukesha County residents 65 years and older who died from a fall during the years 2005 to 2012. Data were collected at the Waukesha County Medical Examiner's office. No significant differences in individual demographics, activity, or injury characteristics (P > 0.05) in fall-related deaths over an 8-year period. Fall-related mortality in Waukesha County over the past 8 years has demonstrated consistent demographics, fall, and injury characteristics.