Děti, mládež a úrazy související s vodou

Recently there have appeared no studies in the Czech Republic, which would deal with water-related injuries in children and youth. This study is to map the problem of drowning and near drowning. This is a retrospective study for the period of 2001-2004. The scene of the collection of data encompassed 14 regions, i.e. the entire territory of the Czech Republic. The monitored group consisted of persons aged 0-18 years. Groups studied: drowned persons, near drowned persons. Information was acquired from autopsy reports and the statements of forensic medical experts. According to the medical records and autopsy reports there were ascertained a total of 548 cases of water-related injuries in the 2001-2004 period. Ninety two (17%) cases of drowning and 456 (83 %) children and youth that have been hospitalized for water-related injuries were recorded. 227 (41 %) children have been hospitalized for near drowning and 229 (42%) were hospitalized for water-related injuries caused by jump to the water. The group most frequently represented is that of persons aged 1 year (9%) and 13-15 years. From the results significant risks can be established. The most frequent place for drowning is natural water. There is a significant by risky behaviour of the adolescence - jump in to the water. For the youngest category there is dangerous fall into the water caused by lacking of supervision. For drowning, the swimming pools is a dangerous place for children aged 0-6 years. In all the groups in 5% of cases the cause of drowning is falling into the swimming pool. The alcohol in blood was ascertained in 5% cases of drowning children. The youngest child with positive alcohol was 8 years old. Drowning rates are known to vary greatly with age. The results of the project serve as a basic material for the creation of a national information system. The results are the basis for the prevention activities in this area.