Concern over possible accidental child strangulation has spread from Canada's living rooms to its hospitals. In a July 30 letter to all hospital CEOs, Health Canada warned that materials such as IV tubing can pose the same danger to infants as cords for window blinds, which have been blamed for 19 deaths in Canada since 1989.
Health Canada spokesperson Tara Madigan says there has been only one reported case of accidental strangulation at a Canadian hospital, but the department has received anecdotal reports of entanglements and near strangulation. The death involved an 11-month-old boy who became entangled in IV tubing at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton in May 2000 while being treated for pneumonia.
In its “Dear Health Care Professional” letter, Health Canada recommends that children who might become entangled be under continuous observation or have their condition monitored electronically. As well, oral treatment or use of a heparin-locked needle should be considered in place of intravenous therapy. If tubing is used, excess amounts should be coiled to prevent entanglement. — Patrick Sullivan, CMAJ
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