Citation

Maurin C, Labourel H, Ladwig M, Menthonnex E. Presse Med. (1983) 2006; 35(6 Pt 1): 936-940.

Vernacular Title

Noyades accidentelles en milieu non maritime.

Affiliation

Samu 38, Centre hospitalier universitaire Nord, Grenoble (38). CMaurin@chu-grenoble.fr

Comment In:

Presse Med 2006;35(6 Pt 1):925-6

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16783250

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Unintentional drowning is an important public health problem. Effective prevention measures require detailed knowledge of the specific epidemiology of fresh water drowning and near-drowning incidents. METHODS: We analyzed statistics about these incidents in Isère (district in southeastern France) from 1996 through 2003. Data came from district emergency medical services (SAMU) and from hospitals. RESULTS: There were 101 drowning incidents (1.3 per 100,000 person-years), 77% involving males and 23% females. Mortality was high (38%) and involved mainly males (90%). Natural water bodies were the site of many cases (39%) and the associated mortality rate was high (69%). These cases raise specific problems of prevention and assistance to victims. Drowning incidents occurred most commonly (49%) in swimming pools and involved mainly children (82%), but mortality was lower (20%) in these cases. The remaining cases (12%) took place in bathtubs and involved mainly children (75%). The mortality rate for these was relatively low (14%). CONCLUSION: Only prevention measures that fully take into account the different characteristics of each drowning site can reduce the incidence of these events.

Language: fr