The total number of burn injuries in a Scandinavian population: a repeated estimate

From 1965 to 1975 the population of Copenhagen decreased from 700 000 to 560 000 inhabitants. Small children under 6 years still constitute 6 per cent of the population but the percentage of old people over 60 years increased from 21 to 29 per cent.As a result of a thorough study of the case records of all outpatients treated at each of the outpatient casualty wards in Copenhagen, the total number of burn injuries treated as outpatients in the area during 1974 and 1975 has been recorded and compared with the number treated during 1964 and 1965.In spite of a 75 per cent increase in the total number of all types of injuries treated, the number of burn injuries treated is unchanged, and the number of severe burn injuries has decreased considerably. Burn injuries sustained by small children now constitute only 16 per cent of all burns, compared to 23 per cent previously.The conclusion is drawn that the pursuant prophylaxis which was practised has been effective, and also that the public has become generally familiar with the use of cold water as the best first aid remedy for burns.