Severe blunt assault injuries at Auckland Hospital.

The incidence and nature of severe blunt assault injury in the Auckland region was assessed by a retrospective review over a 2-year period. Approximately 14,000 charges of assault (excluding paediatric and sexual assault) were laid during this period. A total of 1035 people were admitted to hospital. Of 331 patients admitted to one hospital, 35 patients were admitted via the resuscitation room after severe assault; of these, two died. Of these patients, 33 were male and 19 of 21 ethanol levels measured were greater than 17 mmol/l. Head and facial injuries were the most frequent.