Citation

Avery CE. J. Saf. Res. 1979; 11(3): 98-108.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1979, U.S. National Safety Council, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The major purpose of this survey was to determine the number and nature of the burned episodes reported for individuals 60 years of age and older who are treated in Rhode Island hospitals during the five-year period from January 1, 1972 to December 31, 1976. A total of 136 inpatient records were accessed and analyzed. Findings show that burn injuries were more common among males that among females. They also show that the frequency of burn injuries increased with age and were more prevalent in individuals with physical and mental disabilities. Hot liquids used in eating and bathing with the most frequent cause of injury. Smoking was second. However, injuries caused by smoking, which usually leads to clothing eight nation, are more extensive and resulted in a significantly greater number of deaths than accidents in which clothing was not involved. Suggestions are made for reducing or preventing the thermal contacts that lead to injury and death.