Citation

MacGregor D. Emerg. Med. J. 2002; 19(1): 80-81.

Affiliation

Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital, Aberdeen, UK. dianamacgregor@yahoo.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11777888

PMCID

PMC1725751

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence of injuries to young children sustained by contact with a domestic vacuum cleaner and to highlight the potential for significant injury. An increase in public awareness of these risks might result in a reduction in morbidity. METHODS: Over a period of one year, all children attending with an injury sustained because of contact with a domestic vacuum cleaner had review of their case notes by the author. RESULTS: Four children were identified as having sustained friction burns to a hand after contact with a vacuum cleaner. All required treatment and several review appointments before satisfactory resolution was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of cases seen was small, the potential for significant injury must be emphasised and public awareness increased in an attempt to reduce morbidity.

Language: en