Preventing Pediatric Falls

Kids fall all the time. No big deal, right? Wrong. 

Falls are a leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits among children ages 19 years and under in Washington State. Hospitals treat an average of more than 106,000 fall-related injuries to children under 19 each year. These injuries account for almost $111 million in charges for hospital emergency department visits and almost $53 million in hospitalization charges. Falls most often occur at home, on playgrounds, and while playing sports. The good news is that parents and caregivers can prevent fall-related injuries among children.

"Childhood falls can be an everyday occurrence. Just because they're common doesn't mean they can't be prevented. It's critical to recognize the risks of falls to children and how to prevent injuries caused from falling.

Fall injuries among children often occur at home. Falls at home are most common among children under the age of nine. To decrease the risk of children falling while at home, caregivers should take the following precautions:

• Anchor safety gates to walls at the top and bottom of stairs (do not use accordion-style or tension gates).
• Place operable window guards in all windows above the first floor in homes, that prevent the window from being opened more than four inches
• Keep stairs free from clutter.
• Secure area rugs.
• Place slip resistant mats and stickers in bathtubs and showers.
• Never leave young children unattended on elevated surfaces (such as changing tables or beds) or in the bathtub or shower.
• Use safety belts and straps when available, especially in high chairs and car seats.

Another well put together resource and video by Komo4 and Seattle Children's Hospital http://www.seattlechildrens.org/videos/ask-komo-window-safety/