Accidental falls from heights involving children in the Île-de-France, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur regions. March 15–October 15, 2013

"Accidental falls from heights," often referred to simply as "defenestrations," are a long-standing public health issue primarily associated with high-rise housing. These everyday accidents have devastating consequences, particularly since they occur most frequently among very young children. Following two surveys in 2005 and 2006, the 2013 survey was conducted by the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS) in collaboration with Necker Enfants Malades Hospital (Assistance publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP)), in three regions: Ile-de-France, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Falls involving children under 15 that occurred between March 15 and October 15 were recorded. Data collection was primarily carried out by emergency response teams and hospital medical and paramedical staff. During the seven-month study period, 76 falls from windows were recorded among children under 15 years of age (incidence rate 1.9/100,000). These were primarily children under 6 years of age (62%), mostly boys (70%). In 49% of cases, the fall occurred even though the window had a safety guard. A piece of furniture was located beneath the window in more than half of the cases. In 82% of the falls, an adult was present in the home. Nine children died (12%), 8 suffered lasting effects, including severe disability, and 2 are in a vegetative state. A comparison of the three surveys shows little difference in the characteristics of the accidents. However, the number of cases has decreased in the Île-de-France region (64 in 2006, 51 in 2013). The prevention measures initiated in France in 2006 must be continued: recommendations for active adult supervision of children, no furniture placed under windows, and appropriate window opening systems. The revision of regulations regarding the height of guardrails remains a priority.

Author(s): Pasquereau A, Meyer P, Thelot B

Publishing year: 2014

Pages: 64 p.

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