Definition

An serious injury is defined as:

An injury which is sustained by a person in an Accident and which:

a) requires hospitalization for more than 48 hours, commencing within seven days from the date the injury was received; or

b) results in a fracture of any bone (except simple fractures of fingers, toes or nose); or

c) involves lacerations which cause severe haemorrhage, nerve, muscle or tendon damage; or

d) involves injury to any internal organ; or

e) involves second or third degree burns, or any burns affecting more than 5 per cent of the body surface; or

f) involves verified exposure to infectious substances or injurious radiation.

(ICAO Annex 13: Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation)