FALLS AS CHILDHOOD ACCIDENTS: AN INCREASING URBAN RISK

Abstract

Falls from heights accounted for 20% of accidental deaths of children in New York City during 1966, and 67% of the children were under 5 years of age. A retrospective study of falls involving more than 10 feet during 1966 to 1968 at a single Bronx hospital affiliation disclosed that 55 children were hospitalized from this cause. Five of these hospitalized patients died, and two were found to have significant residua. This retrospective study of hospitalized patients indicates that falls from heights were a health hazard mainly for preschool males during the warmer summer months in the high rise slums of the south Bronx. Preschool children fell exclusively from windows and fire escapes, with little regard for height. Older children fell from dangerous play areas of lesser height. The need for routine installation of effective window guards is obvious.