Summertime Safety

Did you know the rate of injury related deaths among children goes up dramatically during the summer months as well their risk for serious injury? Injury is leading cause of death and disability among children and adolescence in Canada. These statistics rise as children face risks from drowning, falls, biking, being around and in motor vehicles and being pedestrians.

Safe Kids Wordwide conducted a study of summer unintentional death rates of children 14 and under in the United States to increase public awareness of the summer “trauma season”. One of their goals was to help educate parents and communities on how to keep children safe. The results of the study are found below.

Increase in unintentional Child Injury Deaths during the months of May, June, July and August

Drownings: 89% increase
Bicycles: 45% increase
Falls: 21% increase
Motor Vehicle Occupants: 20% increase
Pedestrians: 16% increase

The following is an overview of pediatric patients hospitalized due to trauma in all acute care hospitals in Canada for 2005-2006. In Canada, 29,244 pediatric patients (age less than 20 years) were admitted to hospital, representing 15% of all injury admissions (National Trauma Registry: 2007 Injury Hospitalizations Report).

Pediatric Injury Hospitalization

Sex (%)
Male	67.90%
Female	32.10%

Age Group (%)
less than 1	4.30%
1 - 4	14.20%
5 - 9	17.90%
10 - 14	25%
15 - 19	38.5%

Causes of Injury (%)
Unintentional Falls	37.10%
Motor Vehicle	17.90%
Struck by or against objects/persons	11.10%
Other Road Vehicle	6.80%
Assault and Injury Purposely Inflicted	5.80%
Other/Unspecified	21.30%

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is committed to providing parents and caregivers with information and website links to help keep your child safe. It is important that everyone recognize potential situations that may put children at risk and what steps to take to prevent unintentional injuries.

Additional information for child safety is provided with respect to: animals and insects, BBQ/campfire/fireworks, bicycle/rollerblades, lawnmower safety, pedestrian safety, playgrounds, sun protection, swimming pools and water safety.

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