Accidental Injury and Young Australian Children

Abstract

An average of 200 Australian children are admitted to hospital and more than one child dies each day as a result of accidental injuries. This has an emotional cost to families and communities. It also has an economic cost estimated at $190 million per year. The sources of these accidental injuries are several. Between two and three children are treated at hospitals each day for injuries due to a dog attack. Falls are the most common cause of injury to Australian children. For children under age five, 50% of all unintentional injury deaths and 75% of non-fatal injuries occur in the home. Over 100 Australian children have died in the last five years as a result of fire, burns, or scalds. A further 100 children are killed each year as pedestrians. Yet another 100 children drown each year. Between five and 10 children die each year from poisoning. Every accident we prevent aids child development.