Investigations: Defenestrations

The Défenestrations surveys are conducted by Santé publique France, in collaboration with Necker–Enfants Malades Hospital, part of Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris.

The first survey was conducted in 2005 in the Île-de-France region. It was repeated and expanded in 2006 to include three regions: Île-de-France, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. It was conducted again in 2013 in these same three regions.

The 2013 Fall from Height Survey will take place from March 15 to October 15, 2013, in the same regions as in 2006: Île-de-France, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Its objective is to collect and analyze data on falls from significant heights (or defenestrations), whether accidental or not, involving children under the age of 15, in order to guide prevention and regulatory efforts. It will help identify the number of defenestrations, describe the characteristics of the victims and their outcomes, and provide information on the circumstances surrounding these incidents.

For all defenestrations—whether accidental or not—involving children under 15 years of age, whether hospitalized or not, who died at the scene, during transport, or in the hospital, in the Île-de-France, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regions, between March 15 and October 15, 2013, a questionnaire must be completed.

Results

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Questionnaires
Survey information

Prevention

The National Plan for the Prevention of Accidents in Daily Life includes measures to prevent falls from windows: revising the rules governing devices to prevent accidental falls from windows and implementing tools for collecting accident data and informing the public. The Ministries of the Interior and Health issue an annual circular on falls from windows and their prevention: the National Institute for Prevention and Health Education (Inpes) distributes posters as part of a national prevention and information campaign on accidental falls from windows involving children.

Results
Questionnaires

Download the questionnaires

Survey information