[Burns. An epidemiologic casualty ward study].

Four hundred eighty five persons were treated for burns at the casualty ward of Aarhus County Hospital between 1 January and 31 December 1986. Compared to a previous study from the municipality of Copenhagen only minor differences were found concerning the distribution of patient sex and age, and the cause and scene of accident. Small children aged 0-5 years constituted a high risk group, representing more than 18% of all burn injuries. Ninety one per cent of the accidents in this group took place in the home, and the need for further prophylactic measures is evident. Our suggestions include better insulation of oven doors, and protective shields at the front of electric stoves. Further, we emphasize that children should never be left alone in the kitchen without proper supervision.