- Mother discovered lifeless body with cord wrapped around neck
- Parents were 'completely lost following his death'
- A total of 22 children have died in similar fashion
- Looped blinds to be banned later this year
By Andrew Levy
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Arthur Winfield, a toddler who was accidentally hanged from a window blind cord as he tried to see his friend out of a window, an inquest heard
A toddler died after a blind cord became tangled round his neck as he peered out of a window waiting for a friend who was coming to play.
Arthur Winfield had gone up to his bedroom and stood on a small stool to try to see out.
The two-year-old had been on his own for 'a little time' when his mother came looking for him and discovered his lifeless body with the cord wrapped around his neck.
Paramedics were called and he was taken to hospital but he died five days later from severe brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation.
In a statement after an inquest yesterday, Arthur's parents, Oli and Emma, said they were 'completely lost' following their son's death.
The couple, who also have a daughter, added: 'It was a tragic accident, with many contributing elements, which we have replayed over and over, asking ourselves "what if?"' Hertfordshire coroner Edward Thomas yesterday recorded a verdict of accidental death, saying there was 'nothing further' the family could have done.
Looped blind cords are to be banned from sale later this year following similar deaths of 22 children since 1999 – half of which have occurred since the start of 2010.
The inquest in Hatfield heard how on January 5 Arthur was setting up a toy garage in his parents' living room in Markyate, Hertfordshire, and went upstairs to fetch more toy cars.
Describing what happened next, Mr Thomas said: 'Because it had been a little time you thought you had better go upstairs and see how he was.'
After the shocking discovery, Mrs Winfield, whose husband was at work at the time, immediately removed the cord and rang 999.
Mr Thomas added: 'Everything you did was correct. There was nothing further you could have done.'
After six hours of resuscitation in hospital in Luton the little boy was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London where he died on January 10.
Two-year-old Emily Warner who was left severely brain damaged after being accidentally hanged by window blind cords at her home last August, and died in December
Mr Thomas said Arthur 'was a well-cared for and well-loved child', adding: 'Arthur was a bright, friendly and sociable boy – a very happy child.
'He adored his elder sister and they did a lot of things together. They were a very happy family.'
After the inquest Mr and Mrs Winfield said: 'We feel very privileged to have had our son, Arthur, for two years and nine months.
'As the youngest, he was the centre of our family and our daughter's best friend,' they said in a statement.
'We are completely lost following his sudden death.
'Our daughter has saved us from the worst depths of despair.' The couple have since backed a campaign by the British Blind and Shutter Association to raise awareness of the potential dangers of blinds.
They are joined by the parents of another recent victim, Emily Warner, also two, who died last year after she was strangled in a blind cord.
Mr and Mrs Winfield said: 'Looped blinds and curtain pulls can kill and severely brain damage children.
They are already in thousands of houses, communal halls, doctors' surgeries and other public buildings. Please, please make these safe using cleats or replace them.
'Even if you do not have children, children may visit or you may sell your house to a family with children.'
Looped blind cords have been banned here for years. Anyone with looped cords should cut them when the blinds are down and put a knot at the bottom of them. This will prevent a tragedy like this.
- Missy, Ohio, USA, 25/5/2012 11:52
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