Management of a Polytrauma After Suicide Attempt by Jumping from Great Height - Case Report

Falls from great heights require management in major trauma centers due to frequent associated life-threatening injuries. Emergency care units where patients who jump from a height are admitted have to be prepared to ensure prompt and organized care. A multidisciplinary team is mandatory for an accurate management.

Case presentation: A 14-year-old female patient presented at the Emergency Care Unit after a suicide attempt by falling from a 12 m height. The imaging investigations showed multiple fractures, hepatic and renal hematomas, and bilateral hemopneumothorax requiring bilateral minimal pleurotomy for drainage.

Conclusion: Polytrauma caused by fall from a great height has an effect on multiple systems and organs. For a correct and complete diagnosis, proper radiographic evaluation and computed tomography scans are mandatory. Early diagnosis and treatment of injuries, as well as a multidisciplinary approach of the patient, are crucial for a proper management of severe associated injuries and lead to better recovery and quality of life.