Injury Prevention

Child Fall Injury Prevention

Falls for kids

When You say kids the word falls seem to flow in the same sentence. Falls happen a lot with growing children. Some falls can't be prevented. Example when children are learning to walk for the first few years. The good thing is most falls only result with bumps, bruises and scraps.

Care you can give at home.

You can always apply ice, ice is the best thing to prevent or reduce swelling. Apply the ice for about 15 to 30 min. for the best results.

How do you know your child is ok?

Does your child cry and move freely ( with no pain)
Does your child complain of bad pain
Is your child sleepy or is there a big change in attitude ( after their fall or accident)

When Should you call for help?

Call if your child:

vomits more than twice.
complains of pain.
is unusually irritable.
becomes sleepy or hard to wake up. (after the fall)
losses consciousness.
is acting dazed. ( incoherent)
has fluids coming from their ears,nose, mouth.
has possible broken bones or deformities.
Complains of head, neck or back pain.
is unable to walk on their own.
has blurred or double vision.

You don't want to move a child if :

you believe there are deformities or broken bones.
child complains of head, neck or back pain.
you see fluids coming from their ears, nose or mouth.
the child is unconscious.

You Can prevent falls by:

use the proper seat and belts for children in cars.
always have the crib side railing in the highest position.
always have one hand on the child when child is on a changing table, bed, sofa or any high place.
Keep child from jumping on and off furniture.
use safety gates for stairs when children are around.
always use properly sized safety helmets in all contact sports, biking, roller blading, roller-skating, skateboarding, or any sports with speed or motors.
not allowing infants sleep in large beds without railing.
proper use of toys.

For more information, contact FF Tim Sears.

For more educational information contact Community Education and Information Specialist