Children between the age group of 1-5 yrs are very prone to have accidents due to their exploring nature and increased activity. They imitate elders, move from a safe environment to dangerous environment and so need a constant surveillance.
Accidents in children are very common and have a very high mortality and after effects. So the best thing would be to prevent accidents at home and also outside the home.
PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS AT HOME :
Children should be protected from the following at home :
1. Electric sockets , wires, threads — please block the electric sockets with a safety wrapper.
2. Unattended hot fluids – very prone for burns & scalds
3. Unfenced staircases – prone to fall and injury.
4. Sharp objects : like razors, knives, needles, broken toys and edges of furniture.
5. Small objects which the child may take and get choked – like coins, marbles, nuts, beads, shells , small batteries.
6. Plastic bags – may be accidentally put in the mouth and children may suffocate.
7. Medicines – children imitate adults, may swallow any medicine and may have poisoning. Keep medicines locked in the cupboard and tighten them properly.
8. Household items like – washing liquid, phenol, kerosene, insecticides may be swallowed resulting in poisoning. Never keep poisonous substances in water bottles or food containers.
9. Lock drawers, shelves and cupboards – child may pick up something and injure himself
10. Playing with older children/ siblings & imitating their acts, never leave children unsupervised during such periods.
PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS OUTSIDE HOME :
1. Supervise the children in shopping malls, they may be lost or they may pick up something and eat.
2. Be careful in lifts and escalators, supervise and carry the child.
3. Take care when crossing the roads.
4. Supervise your child in the swimming pools and never leave alone.
5. Using cycles, tricycles in the park or near the home – do not leave the children and be with them all the time.
6. Never leave your child alone in a parked car. Always use safety belts in the car. Use infant seats while moving in vehicles.
ALWAYS FOLLOW THESE SAFETY RULES. PREVENTION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN CURE.
By,
Dr Bhaskar Gupta (Consultant Pediatrician & Neonatologist)
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