RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Bunk bed-related injuries sustained by young children treated in emergency departments in the United States, 2001–2004, National Electronic Injury Surveillance System – All Injury Program
JF Injury Prevention
JO Inj Prev
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 137
OP 140
DO 10.1136/ip.2006.013193
VO 13
IS 2
A1 Karin A Mack
A1 Julie Gilchrist
A1 Michael F Ballesteros
YR 2007
UL http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/13/2/137.abstract
AB Objective: To characterize children’s bunk bed-related injuries. Methods: Data are from the 2001–2004 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System – All Injury Program. Cases were defined as children aged 0–9 years treated for a non-fatal, unintentional injury related to a bunk bed. Results: An estimated 23 000 children aged 0–9 years were treated annually in emergency departments for bunk bed fall-related injuries, including 14 600 children aged <6 years. Overall, 3.2% were hospitalized. The injuries sustained were largely fractures, lacerations, contusions and abrasions, and internal injuries, with 25.2% injured in a fall from the top bunk. The most commonly injured body region was the head and neck. Conclusions: Strategies are needed to reduce the most serious injuries. Bunk beds should meet CPSC standards, and the youngest children should not sleep or play in the upper bunk or on ladders. Making care givers aware of the risks, and modifying the living environment are essential.