August is the most dangerous month for children, according to the San Ramon Regional Medical Center, and it has released a report detailing common injuries witnessed in its emergency room, with tips on what parents can do to prevent them.
The report lists a number of hazardous accidents that often occur this month, ranging from falls to burns. The most frequent type of accidents are water-related injuries since many children are in the pool at this time of year.
“People have gotten relaxed around their pools,” said Vicki Lofquist, Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist. “Their parents feel a little more confident about their skills so this is a dangerous time.”
Most accidents typically involve children under 5, she said. In addition to their limited ability to swim, they tend to be more curious and fail to comprehend the consequences of their actions.
“Parents need to be vigilant and can never ever leave them, not even with a swimming vest on,” said Lofquist.
While most water-related injuries tend to occur among younger children, adolescents and teenagers are not immune to these accidents.
“Older kids are at risk because they play games,” said Lofquist. “If they run into trouble, one may try to save them and they both end up drowning.”
To avoid such problems from arising, parents should keep a close eye on their children at all times when they are around water. Remember to always lock pool gates, especially after construction or gardening has taken place around the area.
Another common injury stems from sun-related burns. As families head to vacations on the beach before school starts, they often forget to pack sunscreen and other forms of protective clothing, resulting in sunburn.
Dehydration and heat stroke are other common problems. Some signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which require immediate medical attention, include hot and red skin, dizziness, nausea, rapid pulse and fever.
“Children get dehydrated quickly, especially on a hot day,” said Lofquist. “Make sure water is available.”
While most cases are simply accidents, many result from carelessness or recklessness and are certainly preventable. Car accidents could become fatal if children or teenagers are not wearing seatbelts; heat stroke could occur if children are left alone in a car; and children could drown if they are not supervised in the pool.
“Teenagers are home from school and they tend to drive fast and not so cautiously,” said Lofquist.
“I’ve seen toddlers falling off of balconies when windows were left open. With toddlers being out at barbecues, they are naturally curious about things and burns are very common injuries.”
She summed up her warnings: “We just urge caution.”
