Unintentional drowning in fresh water

• Published in: La Presse médicale (1983) 2006-06, Vol.35 (6), p.936-940
• Main Authors: Maurin, C, Labourel, H, Ladwig, M, Menthonnex, E
• Format: Article
• Language: fre
• ISSN: 0755-4982

Objective > Unintentional drowning is an important public health pro-blem. 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 Isere (district in southeastern France) from 1996 through 2003. Data come from district emergency medical services (SAMU) and from hospitals. Results > There were 101 drowning incidents (1.3 per 100 000 person-years), 77% involving moles 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 coses 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 coses. 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.Original Abstract: Introduction > Les noyades accidentelles constituent un probleme de sante publique. Pour mieux adapter la prevention, il a paru necessaire de preciser I'epidemiologie specifique de ces accidents en zone non maritime. Methode > L'etude a ete prospective et a concerne toutes les noyades accidentelles survenues en Isere de 1996 a 2003.Les donnees etaient recueillies a la regulation du Samu de l'Isere et aupres des services d'hospitalisation le cas echeant. Resultats > Cent une noyades (1,3 pour 100000 habitants et par an) ont ete denombrees, dont 77 % d'hommes et 23 % de femmes. La mortalite globale est de 38 % dont 90 % d'hommes. Les plans d'eau naturels representent 39 % des sites de noyades, impliquent des adultes dans 82 % des cas et ont une mortalite tres importante de 69 %. Ils posent des problemes de prevention et de secours aux vic-times tres particuliers. Les piscines sont le site de 49 % des noyades, impliquant essentiellement des enfants (82 % des cas) et ont une mortalite de 20 %. Les baignoires representent 12 % des noyades impliquant des enfants dans 75 % des accidents et ont une mortalite faible de 14 %. Conclusion > Seule une prevention ciblee sur les caracteristiques de chaque site de noyades pourrait permettre de faire diminuer l'i