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Accident Survey
Dr Helen Garrow Senior Maternity and Child welfare Officer
reports that a survey of accidents occurring in the two to five
year age group was undertaken for six months by Dr Trevor Evans.
All children attending two toddler clinics had a history taken of
any accident occurring in the home during the past six months.
290 children were examined and 46 of these had had an accident
of sufficient gravity to receive medical attention 13% of the
accidents were scalds or burns 53 5% of the accidents were falls.
The remaining accidents (33 5%) were due to various factors.
Scalds and burns badly fitting fire guards insecure
fastenings were among the causes One child undipped a fire
guard and stuck a metal spoon in an electric fire this caused a
shock and severe burns to the hand.
Falls commonest causes being objects left lying about, torn
carpets Some children fell out of their cots on to their heads,
causing bruising one actually had a fractured collarbone.
Accident Prevention is being taught continually in the clinics
and in the homes by the health visitors The mothercraft talks
also present the subject of prevention of accidents in the home.
Leaflets are distributed and posters are exhibited at the various
centres.
This form of health education should be extended vigorously
in every way possible.