The spring and summer months represent a period when many individuals, including children, eagerly anticipate outdoor activities to take advantage of the pleasant weather. Although summer is frequently labelled as a season associated with trauma, outdoor environments can present significant risks for traumatic brain injuries. It is advisable to take a moment to consider the following safety recommendations to mitigate the risk of brain injury during this spring and summer season.
What can you do to make sure you play safe?
Bike Helmet Safety
Image by Esther Merbt
In Canada, approximately 7,500 cyclists sustain serious injuries annually, with head injuries constituting a significant portion of these incidents. These injuries account for 20% to 40% of all cycling-related injuries reported in the country.
To mitigate the risk of brain injury, it is essential to consistently wear a bicycle helmet. A 2002 survey conducted by Safe Kids Canada indicated that merely 45% of children aged 11 to 14 utilized helmets while cycling. Although Ontario’s legislation does not mandate helmet use for adults, it is advisable for both adults and their children to wear helmets while cycling.
Additionally, helmet use is recommended for activities such as skateboarding, rollerblading, or scootering. A well-fitted helmet serves to protect the head by absorbing impact forces during a crash or fall, thereby reducing the likelihood of traumatic brain injury by as much as 85-88%.
Furthermore, appropriate head protection should be utilized when horseback riding and during spring sports such as baseball or softball.
Are trampolines safe?
A trampoline can offer your child extensive entertainment; however, studies indicate that approximately one in every 200 trampoline-related injuries results in lasting neurological harm. If you choose to allow your child(ren) to use a trampoline, it is crucial to supervise them closely and ensure that only one individual is on the trampoline at any given time. It is also recommended that children using a trampoline be at least six years of age.
How safe are bounce houses?
The injury patterns associated with inflatable bouncers closely resemble those observed in trampoline-related incidents. To mitigate the risk of injury, it is essential to ensure that an operator is present to supervise the activity at all times. Additionally, it is advisable for children utilizing the bouncer to be of similar size.
Playground Safety
According to CDC (Centers for disease control and Prevention) falls account for more than 75% of all playground-related injuries. Despite improvements in playground design and safety an average of 21,000 playground-related traumatic brain injuries are treated in emergency rooms annually among kids 14 and younger. While I don’t discourage, playgrounds use parental supervision is crucial and parents should inspect playgrounds and ensure children are playing on equipment appropriate for their age. Before you send the kids out to play in the backyard this spring, ensure your home playground is safe as well.
ATV Safety
ATV usage is a predominant factor contributing to moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A report from Ontario Injury Compass indicates that, on average, over 15 individuals present to emergency departments in Ontario due to injuries sustained in ATV-related incidents. Prior to embarking on trail rides, it is crucial to wear a helmet and to thoroughly inspect the ATV’s condition before each outing. For novice riders, enrolling in an ATV safety course and receiving instruction from a qualified expert is strongly advised. The Canadian Pediatric Society asserts that individuals under the age of 16 should not be allowed to operate off-road vehicles, including those designed for children. Furthermore, when it comes to lending an ATV, the question of duty of care arises. Legal precedents have established that a duty of care exists when an individual permits another person to operate a motorized vehicle while being aware, or having reasonable grounds to be aware, that the individual is unfit or incapable of operating it safely.
Car Seat Safety
Make sure your child is riding in the appropriate car seat or booster seat.It is estimated that 44% to 81% of car seats are not used correctly. A 2012 analysis from the Canadian Paediatric Society of child passengers sustaining severe car-related injuries revealed that 92% of infants, 74% of toddlers, and 96% of school-aged children were not restrained appropriately at the time of the accident.
Home Safety
Falls are one of the leading causes of brain injury in your children. With the nice weather coming we will be opening our windows. Home safety devices, such as guards on windows will prevent an active child from taking a dangerous fall out a window. Window screens do not prevent falls. They can come loose and cannot withstand the weight of your child. To help reduce the risk of head injuries to children, block off stairways with safety gates.
Hiking tips
When hiking, make sure you are familiar with the terrain. When out hiking always ensure that a loved one knows exactly where you are and how to find you.
Traumatic brain injuries can happen to anyone. Every day, 452 people will experience a brain injury. That is equivalent to one person every three minutes.
Final thoughts
A significant proportion, specifically thirty percent, of brain injuries in Canada occur among children and adolescents. While traumatic brain injuries are not curable, proactive measures can be implemented to reduce the risk of their occurrence.
It is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms associated with a concussion. Common indicators include headaches, visual disturbances such as blurred or double vision, a dazed or stunned appearance, fluctuations in mood, and instances of loss of consciousness, even if only for a brief period.
