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.
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.
Mack
Karin A
KA
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. kmack@cdc.gov
Gilchrist
Julie
J
Ballesteros
Michael F
MF
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000061:Accidents, Home / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017677:Age Distribution; D001513:Beds / Q000592:standards*; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012449:Safety; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control