Trends in injury and poisoning mortality using the ICE on injury statistics matrix, England and Wales, 1979-2004

Abstract

This article shows trends in injury and poisoning mortality in England and Wales using a matrix of mechanism (e.g. fall, fire) by intent (e.g. accident, suicide) developed by the International Collaborative Effort (ICE) on injury statistics. Overall injury and poisoning mortality rates have declined for both males and females. Declines were greatest during the 1980s and early 1990s, with rates falling only slightly since. Rates were generally higher for males and were highest in the elderly. Transport death rates declined substantially. Death rates from falls declined to the mid 1990s but then increased. There were increases in death rates from drug abuse/dependence in both sexes and in homicide rates among males.