Prevention of diving-induced spinal cord injuries—preliminary results of the first Romanian mass media prophylactic educational intervention

Diving accidents can cause severe spinal cord injuries, especially affecting the cervical spine. These accidents often result from lack of attention, risky behavior among young people, and unsupervised recreational activities during the summer. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a national education project disseminated via social media and TV to reduce diving accidents. The project involved posting messages on Facebook and broadcasting video clips on TV, featuring the clinical picture of a tetraplegic person to shock and alert the target population.

• 1
  During 2011–2015, there was a significant monotonic association between summer climate (air temperature) and the incidence of diving-induced tetraplegia.
• 2
  In 2016, after the prophylactic intervention, the number of diving-induced quadriplegics was reduced on average by 26.8%.
• 3
  Statistical analysis suggests that the reduction in diving accidents in 2016 was likely not a mere coincidence, supporting the continuation of the educational program.