Understanding and Preventing Childhood Injuries

Childhood injuries are a big problem for many families. In the U.S., more than 12,000 kids die each year from things such as falls, burns, or car accidents. Over 9 million children go to the emergency room because of injuries. These accidents can cause pain, stress, and money problems for families.

This guide will help you understand what causes childhood injuries and how to stop them so your child can grow up safe, strong, and healthy. So, without any further ado, let's dive into the guide to understanding and preventing childhood injuries.

What to Know About Child Injuries?

Child injuries refer to harm that occurs to children due to accidents or intentional acts. As children grow, it's common for them to have minor accidents like bumps, bruises, and scrapes. These small injuries are usually not serious and can be taken care of with a hug or a bandage.

In Australia, injuries are the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 14 years. Each year, about 150 children in this age group die, and over 60,000 are hospitalized due to unintentional injuries.

5 Common Child Injuries and Accidents

Here are five common injuries among children.

Falls

Falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries among children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 8,000 children visit U.S. emergency rooms daily due to fall-related injuries. These incidents frequently occur at home, particularly among younger children, due to their developing motor skills and natural curiosity. Common scenarios include falls from furniture, stairs, or playground equipment.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle crashes are a significant cause of injury and death among children. The CDCreports that nearly 150 children aged 0 to 19 are treated every hour in U.S. emergency departments for crash-related injuries. Factors contributing to these incidents include improper use of car seats, lack of seatbelt use, and exposure to distracted or impaired driving. ​

Drowning

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1-4, and formal swimming lessons can reduce drowning risk by 88%. Young children can drown in as little as an inch or two of water, and it can happen quickly and silently. Common locations include swimming pools, bathtubs, and natural bodies of water. ​

Poisoning

Young children under six often put things in their mouths, which can lead to poisoning. Common items that cause poisoning include household cleaners, medicines, and personal care products.

Burns

Burns are common injuries in children, often resulting from contact with hot liquids, surfaces, or flames. Scalds from hot liquids like boiling water or steam are particularly frequent, especially among young children. Their thinner skin makes them more vulnerable to severe burns at lower temperatures compared to adults. Other common causes include touching hot objects such as stoves or irons and electrical burns from inserting objects into outlets or chewing on cords.

Animal Bites

Children are at a higher risk for animal bites, particularly from dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that children account for a significant portion of the approximately 4.5 million people bitten by dogs each year in the U.S. Most bites occur from familiar animals during everyday interactions, often when children unknowingly provoke pets by approaching them while eating or sleeping. ​

Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle-related injuries are common among children and can lead to serious outcomes, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that, during 2009-2018, rates of emergency section visits for bicycle-related TBIs decreased by approximately 48.7% among children, indicating progress in safety measures. However, the risk remains significant, especially when helmets are not used. ​

Sports Injuries

Sports activities contribute significantly to childhood injuries. In 2015–2017, the rate of sports, recreation, and leisure injuries among children and youngsters aged 1–17 years was 82.9 per 1,000 population. The rate of these injuries increased with age, which shows the need for awareness and preventive measures in youth sports.

What To Do to Prevent Serious Child Injuries?

To prevent child injuries, follow these strategies.

Remove Hazards

Children are naturally curious, often exploring their surroundings without recognizing danger. To protect them, store sharp objects such as knives and scissors out of reach. Keep hot items, such as cooking pots and beverages, away from edges where they can be pulled down.

Secure small objects that could be choking hazards, like coins and buttons. Store chemicals, medications, and cleaning agents in locked cabinets, away from children's access. Regularly inspect your home from a child's perspective to identify and eliminate potential dangers.

Implement Safety Measures

Using safety devices makes your home safer. Install safety gates to keep kids away from stairs, use window guards to prevent falls, cover electrical outlets to avoid shocks, and secure heavy furniture to stop it from tipping over.

Ensure Water Safety

Water-related incidents can occur quickly. Always supervise children around water, including bathtubs, pools, and even buckets. Empty bathtubs and containers immediately after use. Keep toilet lids closed, and consider using toilet locks. Use non-slip mats in bathrooms to prevent slips. Teaching children about water safety and establishing rules, like not running near pools, is essential.

Use Appropriate Equipment

Selecting safe products reduces injury risks. Choose age-appropriate toys without small parts that can detach. Make sure furniture like high chairs and strollers have proper restraints and are stable. Be cautious with items like baby walkers, which can lead to falls.

Educate and Supervise

Teaching children about safety is as important as implementing physical measures. Discuss potential dangers and safe behaviors appropriate to their age. Demonstrate safe practices, such as wearing seat belts and helmets. Active supervision, especially in potentially hazardous situations, is vital to prevent accidents.

The Bottom Line!

As we've explored, while minor injuries are a natural part of childhood, serious injuries can have lasting impacts. By understanding the common causes and implementing preventive measures outlined in this guide, we can create safer environments for children to grow and thrive.

We hope this detailed guide has provided you with the knowledge you need to ensure children's safety. Stay tuned for more helpful articles. Our team at Healthy Kids Care Pediatrics at Sunrise is always here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about child safety. Feel free to leave a comment if you need more information.

In Health,

Dr. Atousa