Train Climbing-A new old trend in adolescents: Treatment of high voltage injuries and planning of a pilot project to raise awareness.

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An increasing number of high voltage electric burn injuries in atypically younger patient collective of train surfers and climbers at our levelI center for burns was recognized. The purpose of this study was aretrospective data evaluation and as aconsequence the implementation of an awareness program against train surfing. In aretrospective analysis of prospectively collected data, 17patients with high voltage injuries, who had been treated at our unit between January 2022 and January 2023, were identified. Of these patients seven were treated for injuries due to train surfing or climbing and therefore included in this study. The patients were assessed clinically for total burn surface area (TBSA), degree of burn, associated Injuries, hospital length of stay, number and type of surgeries (fasciotomy, minor/major amputations, defect coverage split skin graft or flaps). Atotal of seven males formed the basis of this report with an average age of 17.7 years (range 14-21years). The highest ABSI (Abbreviated Burn Severity Index) score was 12, leading to the death of the 21-year-old patient who had 80% TBSA as well as multiple comorbidities including severe brain damage. The mean duration of stay at the intensive care unit (ICU) was 24.8 days and the mortality rate was 14.29%. This study highlighted the severity of injuries, with amean TBSA of 41.42% and amortality rate of 14.29% among the study population. Train climbing and surfing patients presented with severe injuries and fatal long-term consequences. Apilot project involving several stakeholders was initiated in order to raise awareness of the dangers of electric arcs and the risk involved.