Self-inflicted burns are rare in France, but they lead to major, often life-threatening complications. The authors reviewed medical data for patients hospitalized in a burn center from January 2004 to December 2008. Thirty-eight cases of self-inflicted burns were compared with 220 accidental burns. Women were predominantly affected (57.9%, n = 22). A psychiatric history (71%, n = 27) was more frequent in this population. The mean age of the victims was 38 years. The leading method of suicide was flame (94%, n = 36) associated with gasoline used as an accelerant (77.7%, n = 28). Mean total burn surface area (41.5%) and mortality (36.9%) were higher in the self-inflicted burn population. By recognizing epidemiological characteristics and patients at risk, we can better classify lesions related to self-immolation. It is important for the forensic physician to consult survival details to correlate these data with the results of autopsy.

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Lara attend un bébé alors qu’elle est hospitalisée en psychiatrie et radicalisée. Il existe un risque de fugue à la maternité. Comment préparer cette naissance tout en gardant une approche clinique et mesurée, malgré la pression et les angoisses ? S’il était certain dans cette histoire que nous devions réfléchir à un dispositif permettant de protéger la mère et l’enfant, nous nous questionnons sur la place qu’ont pris les différents enjeux sociétaux et sécuritaires, nous éloignant de notre rôle de soin. Nous partageons ici nos questionnements et nos doutes.