Taylor, MJ, Francis, H, Fielding, J and Dean, E A catastrophe theory view of accidental dwelling fire injuries. International Journal of Emergency Services. ISSN 2047-0894 (Accepted)

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Abstract

Purpose To apply catastrophe theory to the analysis of accidental dwelling fire injuries in terms of age band, gender, and contributory factors in order to inform fire prevention activities. Methodology A case study in a UK Fire and Rescue service concerning analysis of the circumstances of accidental dwelling fire injuries, and the characteristics and behaviours associated with such utilising frequency analysis, percentages, ratios, and catastrophe theory modelling. Findings Overall males were more likely to be injured in an accidental dwelling fire compared to females by a ratio of 1.68 to 1, and those in the age band 50 to 64 appeared to be the most at risk. 15.4% of the accidental dwelling fire injuries involved consumption of alcohol or drugs, and 5.9% involved falling asleep. Originality The use of a catastrophe theory view to analyse the circumstances under which accidental dwelling fire injuries occurred using fire injury data from a UK fire and rescue service. Research implications The circumstances of accidental dwelling fire injury can be analysed to identify patterns concerning when a catastrophic change relating to ordinary use of domestic objects results in an accidental dwelling fire injury. Practical implications A catastrophe theory view can aid understanding of how ordinary use of domestic objects results in an accidental dwelling fire injury. Social implications Since fire injuries have both a social and economic cost, understanding how such fire injuries occur can aid fire prevention through appropriately targeted fire prevention activities.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1117 Public Health and Health Services; 1199 Other Medical and Health Sciences; 1605 Policy and Administration
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD61 Risk Management Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology > HV697 Protection, assistance and relief
Divisions:	Computer Science & Mathematics
Publisher:	Emerald
SWORD Depositor:	A Symplectic
Date Deposited:	10 Apr 2024 10:05
Last Modified:	10 Apr 2024 10:15
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/23001

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