Six Flags president to hold news conference on brain injuries

As near as I can tell Robert Braksiek does not claim to have done any actual research on rollercoaster injuries.

He was the primary author on an article in "Annals Of Emergency Medecine" which suggested that emergency room physicians should ask brain injury victems about amusement rides since there is some chance that there could be a relationship even though the risk is "low".

This article was based on a review of the medical literature and on the CPSC results according to the abstract, not on independant research. Dr. Braksiek was apparently misquoted by some members of the media in such a manner as to indicate that he had done research in this area. Unfortunately the media often makes this kind of error.

According to the National Library Of Medecine database, Dr. Braksiek's only other listed publication was as a secondary author of an article on X-rays for ankle fractures. No embarasement for a doctor only a few years out of med school.

Note: The latest CPC report (published since Dr. Braksiek's articele) has contradicted some of the injury trends indicated in previous reports. The CPC now says that these apparent trends were actually caused by of a change in the sample used. The CPSC now says that amusement ride injuries are increasing only at the same rate that park attendance is increasing.

*** This post was edited by Jim Fisher on 1/14/2003. ***

Jim Fisher-

Doctor Robert Braksiek raised eyebrows with a new report warning that thrill rides are leading to a wave of head and neck injuries-some life threatening.

This goes to prove the point. Why are they discussing brain injuries, when Head and Neck injuries are the primary injury (cervical sprain)? Are brain injuries indeed secondary caused by cervical sprain and the weakness that'll come with such an injury? Love to hear his point of view.

CPSC's info isn't the best info for doing research, and I've always gone on my own for this type of research at least I know it's up-to-date. And accurate.

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Helping The Injured Defeat The Amusement Park Industry Day After Day.

Jason 19

I certainly agree that the CPSC data is not very good. See my editorial on the subject.

Jim Fisher-

Thanks for pointing me to your article. You have interesting points. Like to e-mail you some time if that's ok?

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Helping The Injured Defeat The Amusement Park Industry Day After Day.

Actually, according to People Who Know(TM), this is not an IAAPA thing. This whole thing was initiated and executed by Six Flags. Naturally, there is an IAAPA rep there as a service to one of its largest (if not the largest) constituent.

Funny how you start getting e-mail from People Who Know(TM) when they fear that theories may fester into fact.

Regardless though, it's good for the industry, and good for Six Flags to step up and take the initiative.

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Jeff - Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com - Sillynonsense.com Rave Cam 1/18
DELETED!

Jason: Shoot me an E-mail anytime. With a little luck I'll find it in all the spam.

I applaud Six Flags if they are the ones spearheading this as like you said Jeff, it's good for the industry.

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June 11th, 2001 - Gemini 100
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*** This post was edited by Red Garter Rob on 1/15/2003. ***