A 22-year history of treating intentional falls from the Golden Gate Bridge at Marin Health Medical Center.

BACKGROUND

The historical mortality rate after falling from the Golden Gate Bridge has been approximately 98%. We report on 14 recent survivors treated at Marin Health Medical Center.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the 22-year experience of treating patients after Golden Gate Bridge falls. Patients with signs of life when recovered by the Coast Guard were included.

RESULTS

Marin General Hospital treated 26 patients with an average age of 28.2 years. The mortality rate was 46.2% with an increased survival over the past decade compared to the first 12 years, 61% vs 37%, P = not significant. The average injury severity score was 29.3 and was significantly lower over the past decade (43.9 vs 22.8, P = .004). The leading injuries were hemothorax/pneumothorax (73%), spine fractures (65%), lung contusions (50%), rib fractures (50%), and solid organ injury (46%). Patients with major cardiovascular injuries were significantly more likely to expire, 88% vs 28%, P = .009.

CONCLUSION

The pattern of injury leading to death after an intentional fall from the Golden Gate Bridge has not changed significantly over the decades.