Epidemiology of defenestrations in Paris
Masson, C.
Epidemiology of defenestrations in Paris - 2025.
53
IntroductionIn France, there are approximately 9,000 deaths by suicide per year. The Medical and Psychological Emergency Unit (Cellule d’urgence médico-psychologique; CUMP) of the Paris SAMU, the city’s emergency medical service, intervenes following defenestration incidents. The frequency and nature of these events in Paris between 2019 and 2022 have raised numerous questions.MethodThis study was conducted based on an analysis of interventions by the Paris SAMU for defenestrations, whether of suicidal or accidental origin. This research was carried out using data extracted from the Carmen software (the SAMU’s medical records system), recording the gender and age of the victim, along with the district, the month, and year of the incident. Cases were selected using the keyword “defenestrated.” Quantitative variables were presented as mean ± standard deviation, and qualitative variables as numbers and percentages.ResultsA significant decrease in the number of defenestrations was recorded between 2019 (n = 137) and 2022 (n = 97), with a predominance of male victims. Defenestrations were more frequent among individuals aged 19 to 35 (39% of the total sample), and differences were also noted according to district, with a higher occurrence observed in the thirteenth arrondissement and the first four arrondissements of Paris.ConclusionDespite the decrease in the number of defenestrations within Paris proper, prevention measures should be stepped up, as suicide and domestic accidents involving defenestration remain major public health issues. Interventions following defenestrations in public spaces should be further systematized by emergency response teams so that direct witnesses and bereaved relatives, as well as first responders in need, can benefit from immediate or follow-up psychological care.
Epidemiology of defenestrations in Paris - 2025.
53
IntroductionIn France, there are approximately 9,000 deaths by suicide per year. The Medical and Psychological Emergency Unit (Cellule d’urgence médico-psychologique; CUMP) of the Paris SAMU, the city’s emergency medical service, intervenes following defenestration incidents. The frequency and nature of these events in Paris between 2019 and 2022 have raised numerous questions.MethodThis study was conducted based on an analysis of interventions by the Paris SAMU for defenestrations, whether of suicidal or accidental origin. This research was carried out using data extracted from the Carmen software (the SAMU’s medical records system), recording the gender and age of the victim, along with the district, the month, and year of the incident. Cases were selected using the keyword “defenestrated.” Quantitative variables were presented as mean ± standard deviation, and qualitative variables as numbers and percentages.ResultsA significant decrease in the number of defenestrations was recorded between 2019 (n = 137) and 2022 (n = 97), with a predominance of male victims. Defenestrations were more frequent among individuals aged 19 to 35 (39% of the total sample), and differences were also noted according to district, with a higher occurrence observed in the thirteenth arrondissement and the first four arrondissements of Paris.ConclusionDespite the decrease in the number of defenestrations within Paris proper, prevention measures should be stepped up, as suicide and domestic accidents involving defenestration remain major public health issues. Interventions following defenestrations in public spaces should be further systematized by emergency response teams so that direct witnesses and bereaved relatives, as well as first responders in need, can benefit from immediate or follow-up psychological care.
Réseaux sociaux