community newsletter from  the  Comprehensive Children's Injury Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
SUMMER 2019
Timely Topics
Heatstroke Prevention 
 
Babies can sometimes be so peaceful and quiet in the backseat that we can forget they are even there, and it can be tempting to leave a sleeping baby in the car so we don't have to wake them up while we quickly run into the store. But leaving a child alone in a car can lead to serious injury or death from heatstroke, even in cooler temperatures.

In 2018, 51 children died in hot cars. In half of these deaths, the child was left unattended by a parent or caregiver who forgot they were in the car. In 27 percent of the deaths, the child climbed into the car and could not get back out. In 17 percent of the cases the child was left in the car intentionally by adults who assumed that it was safe to do so.

Here are some ways to protect children from heatstroke:
  • Parents should ask that child care providers call if child doesn't show up as planned.
  • Always remember to A.C.T.
    • Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car - not even for a minute. Keep your car locked when you're not in it so kids don't get in on their own.
    • Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child that you will need at your final destination - a briefcase, purse or cell phone works well. This is especially important if you're not following your normal routine.
    • Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911 immediately. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations. You could save the life of a child.
  • Make sure to lock your vehicle (doors and the trunk) when you're away from it. Keep keys and remote entry fobs out of children's sight and reach.
  • Teach kids that trunks are not a safe place to play.
Always remember, it is never OK to leave a child alone in or around a car, not even for a minute.
Pool/Water Safety 

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths for children in the United States, with nearly 800 deaths each year.  Drowning risks vary by age; however over half of all child drownings are among children zero to 4 years of age. Here are a few additional facts to keep in mind:
  • Children younger than 1 year old are more likely to drown at home
  • Children between 1 and 4 years old are more likely to drown in a home swimming pool or whirlpool
  • Those who are 5 to 17 years old are more likely to drown in natural water, such as a lake or pond
One of the sad realities of drowning is that it can be silent -  there can be very little splashing, waving or screaming. It also can be  quick - once a child begins to struggle, you may have less than one minute to react. That's why supervising children around water is key!


 

It's important for a child to be able to do the following, to ensure their safety in and around water: 

  • Step or jump into water over year head and return to the surface
  • Float or tread water for one minute
  • Turn around in a full circle and find an exit from the water
  • Swim 25 yards to the exit
  • Exit from the water; if in a pool, be able to exit without using the ladder 
Lastly, here are some additional w ater safety tips:
    • Watch your kids when they are in and around water, without distraction
    • Teach children to swim
    • Learn CPR and basic rescue skills
    • Make sure pools have four-sided fencing at least 4 feet high
For more information, check out this great resource!

Life jackets--what you need to know!

Before your next trip to the lake or beach, make sure you have proper life vests for each member of your family. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is a leading cause of death for kids age 1 to 14. There are a lot of flotation devices on the market, so purchasing one approved by the US Coast Guard and understanding what you are using is an important step in keeping everyone safe. The majority of drownings happen in calm waters where life jackets are nearby but not being used. 

There are 5 different types of life jackets:
  • Type I- intended for open, rough or remote water where rescue may be slow to arrive. This type of life jacket will turn MOST unconscious wearers face-up in water. This type offers the best protection, however, it can be bulky and uncomfortable.
  • Type II- intended for protected near shore water activities where chances of immediate rescue are good. This type of life jacket will turn SOME unconscious wearers face-up in water.
  • Type III- intended for protected near shore water activities where chances of immediate rescue are good. Not designed to turn unconscious people face up in water.
  • Type IV- a throw-able device not for unconscious persons, non-swimmers or children.
  • Type V- special use life jackets. These jackets are restricted to the special use for which it is designed.

 

 Photo courtesy: www.boatus.org

 

 

Having a US Coast Guard approved life jacket is the first step towards water and boating safety. The second step is testing your child's life jacket before going on the water. It is strongly recommended that a child's life jacket is tested by putting the child in the life jacket and making them float in the water. Children often panic when they fall into the water suddenly. Testing them in the water while wearing their life jacket will help them learn what to expect. Most importantly, remember that life jackets are not to be used in place of adult supervision.

 

Ohio Law requires life jackets to be worn in the following situations:

  • while riding a personal watercraft or jet ski
  • while water-skiing or being towed on a similar device
  • by children less than 10 years of age on any vessel less than 18 feet long

For more information on boating laws by state, visit The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.

Partner Spotlight
Buckle Up for Life 
 
Buckle Up for Life i s a national car seat safety program for families, created by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Toyota in 2004, to help keep child passengers safe. The program partners with leading children's hospitals, community organizations, local governments, schools and non-profit organizations to teach parents and children about the proper use of car seats and seat belts, as well as provide free car seats to families in need. Buckle Up for Life has reached more than 100,000 people nationwide, been implemented in communities nationwide and expands to new partners each year.

Check out their awesome car seat installation videos in both English and Spanish as well as their other child passenger safety resources!

Join our Cause
Giving Hope--Playground Build 
A child is injured on a playground every 2 ½ minutes in the United States.

Playgrounds offer kids a way to get fresh air, improve social and motor skills, exercise and gain new and inventive-but not necessarily safe-ways to play. It's important to take to make sure that kids are playing on safe equipment and safe surfacing to prevent serious injuries. 

Your gift today will help the CCIC build a new and safe playground with safe surfacing to help reduce the risk of unintentional injury to countless children. Every dollar donated will go directly towards the $35,000 needed for a playground build. Donors are also welcome to partake in the experience of helping to build the playground. For more information, please contact Dawne Gardner

Thank you in advance for donating to help keep kids safe in the places they play and out of our local emergency rooms.

Changing the outcome together!
Community Partner Opportunities 
We have a lot of opportunities for you to join our causes!
Request Safety Fair to Go Materials

Interested in using our Safety Fair to Go presentation materials? Complete this online request form, and we will contact you with all the details!

  • Safety Fair to Go box topics include:
  • Helmet Safety
  • Poison Safety
  • Playground Safety
  • Home Safety
  • Fire Safety
  • Concussion Safety
Community Car Seat Classes
Are you in need of a car seat or booster seat to safely transport a child?

 

Our next class occurs: 

Register today for the next community car seat class by calling Nichole at 513-636-0172, prior to the July 2nd deadline.

 


Expert Advice
Fireworks Safety 
Daniel Moeller
Firefighter/Paramedic
Miami Township Fire Department (Clermont County)

Q: Why are fireworks so dangerous and what can I do to protect my family from their dangers?


A:  Fireworks are one of our great summertime traditions. From Fourth of July to Cincinnati Reds games, these beauties light up the night creating a great memory for all. However, with the beauty of fireworks comes a great risk and responsibility. 

Fireworks create an opportunity for many summertime injuries and fires. The injuries caused by fireworks range from small burns and eye injuries to loss of limbs and even death. Nearly 90% of emergency room fireworks injuries involve fireworks consumers are permitted to use.  This can be due to the fact fireworks routinely malfunction, whether it be a faulty wick, misfire, or "dud."  Even "smaller" fireworks such as sparklers burn at temperatures reaching 1200*F, routinely causing third degree burns and accounting for roughly 25% of all firework emergency room visits.

Here are some additional facts about fireworks safety:
  • Children from the ages of 5 to 19 years and adults from 25 to 44 years are in the highest risk bracket for a firework involved injury. 
  • Specifically, children aged 5 to 9 years are more than twice as likely to be involved in a fireworks related injury than any other age range. 
  • Currently, men account for more than 70% of all fireworks related injuries. 
  • Each year, there are roughly 18,500 fires started due to misuse of fireworks in the United States.

The best way to keep you and your family safe around fireworks is to leave it to the professionals. Enjoy a firework display from a safe distance and do not mess with consumer fireworks. After the show has finished, do not allow your kids to pick up any fireworks on the ground, as they may still be active. If you are going to be around fireworks, make sure you have a firm understanding of local laws. Fireworks can be very dangerous, but when used safely and appropriately, will create lasting memories for you and your family.


www.cincinnatichildrens.org/ccic  · 513-636-7865, "Option 1"