Vigilance for child safety
JOBURG - Greater vigilance is key to preventing an increase in child injuries over the school holidays, warns Netcare.
Netcare statistics show an increased number of young children being treated for accidents, trauma and near-drownings during school holidays, when children are often left inadequately supervised while parents work. Children under six years are most at risk for accident and injury, and there is a 12.7 percent increase in injuries to this group over holiday periods.
According to Netcare general manager Mande Toubkin, parents are often more relaxed when they are on holiday, leaving children less closely supervised than they are at school or childcare.
“What is so heartbreaking about this is that in many cases injuries to children can be avoided if child-minders are more aware of the risks facing children within the home environment…When it comes to looking after children, particularly our toddlers, we can never afford to let down our guard,” warned Toubkin.
The majority of child-related emergencies involve cuts, sprains, fractures, stings and bites, or burns, said Toubkin. Boys tend to engage in riskier activities than girls, and are more likely to be injured.
Toubkin advises parents to take steps to ensure their children’s holiday safety. Do not let children wander off without supervision, never leave them in the care of another child or an adult you do not trust, and do not abuse drugs or alcohol while they are in your care. Child-proof your home or holiday home, ensuring that dangerous substances are out of reach, electrical wiring is safe, and swimming pools are sealed off.
“Keep in mind that toddlers can drown in even the shallowest bodies of water, so keep them away from ponds, buckets of water and swimming pools,” added Toubkin.
Craig Grindell, chief operating officer of Netcare 911, reminds parents that car accidents are more common over the holidays. He advises parents to protect their children by buckling them into child safety seats on the back seat, and driving responsibly. Leaving children alone in the car can lead to fatal heatstroke and dehydration.
Grindell added that it was advisable to learn first aid, and to memorise an emergency contact number in case of medical emergency.
Details: Netcare national emergency: 082 911
