An analysis of accidental free falls from a height: the 'spring break' syndrome.

Vertical deceleration injuries represent a distinct form of urban blunt trauma. Mechanisms of injury differ from those of horizontal vehicular trauma, and severity primarily depends on velocity of impact. We describe 33 free-fall injuries in adults occurring under purely nonintentional circumstances at a popular college "spring break" resort. Patterns of injuries were found to differ significantly from previously reported patterns of injuries sustained by adults from both accidental and intentional vertical deceleration.