Intended for healthcare professionals

Research Article

Study of 100 patients injured by London underground trains 1981-6.

Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987; 295 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.295.6612.1527 (Published 12 December 1987) Cite this as: Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1987;295:1527
  1. R A Cocks
  1. Accident and Emergency Department, Royal Free Hospital, London.

    Abstract

    One hundred patients who were injured by London underground trains during 1981-6 were studied; 43 of them died. Deliberate self harm was probable in roughly three quarters. Alcohol intoxication was thought to play an important part in a further tenth of cases. Thirteen were psychiatric inpatients at the time of the incident, and a further two had recently been discharged. Early warning of a potential suicide attempt was given during the 24 hours preceding the incident in 15 of the cases. Some of the deaths in the psychiatric patients may have been preventable.