Great Strides in Childhood Injuries Prevention
Some 20 years ago, childhood injuries occurring at home often result in
serious consequences. But recent advances in pediatric emergency care and knowledge of pediatric first aid have significantly improved outcome of common childhood emergencies.
It is estimated that around 4.5 million children suffer injuries at home each year. Thanks to advances in health care system, potential serious consequences of childhood emergencies are mitigated. There have been many improvements in the health care system: a more responsive and effective emergency medical services; carefully crafted guidelines and policies for the prompt care of pediatric emergencies; the availability of pediatric equipment and supplies in ambulances and emergency departments; and most important
of all pediatric first aid courses offered by different training providers and easily available to the public.
Advances in emergency medicine have significantly curbed the number of deaths due to unintentional injuries among children under age 14. Alongside these advances health care, rules and regulations such as use of childproof medication containers, better child safety seat and seat belt laws, and automobile window guards have greatly contributed to the decline of serious childhood emergencies. Child-safety awareness programs, such as helmet
use, poison prevention, and sports safety gear, by the government and advocate groups are also essential in preventing common childhood injuries.
Improved awareness of pediatric first aid is also essential in the proper management of childhood emergencies at home. Pediatric first aid classes are offered by your local workplace approved and other training partners. Classes have flexible schedules so they won’t significantly affect your daily life. Usually, the training sessions of child care first aid and CPR courses last for 1 to 2 days, depending on the type of course you enroll in. Child care first aid training courses are designed for child carers such as parents, babysitters, nannies,
nursery and pre-school workers, and people whose work involve the welfare of children.
Preparedness is the single best way of preventing childhood emergencies. Infant and child first aid courses prepare individuals to respond to these emergencies. The training session provides an overview of possible medical and emergency situations in children, and how to manage each situation. In addition to first aid training for respiratory and cardiac arrest,
child care first aid train individuals in handling head and spin injuries and wound care. The course also stresses the importance of keeping the home safe and provides input on how to minimize hazards at home.
Parental guidance and supervision are critical factors in preventing
childhood emergencies. Safe habits and behaviors should be instilled to children’s consciousness at an early age. This includes safety at home, while traveling, at school, and on the playground. The best way to do this is for parents to become role models for their children. Safe practices such as using the seat belt, wearing helmet and storing potential poisons in locked cabinets all reinforce your safety instructions and keeps your home childproof. You can learn a lot of ways on how to keep your home childproof by completing a pediatric first aid course.