Balconies, open windows pose danger to kids
PREVENTION IS KEY: Doctors, paramedics team up to issue warnings and advice after rash of falling injuries
There’s an old saying: “This heat is killing me.”
And concerned paramedics and medical experts say people who open windows and balcony doors to beat the heat are literally risking the lives of children.
Since last Thursday, paramedics have taken six injured children who have fallen from windows or balconies to the B.C. Children’s Hospital emergency department.
With more hot and dry weather in the forecast for much of the province, B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) and the Children’s Hospital want parents and caregivers to ensure that window and balcony safety locks are in place.
“We’ve had a terrible rash of injuries,” BCEHS unit chief Marilyn Oberg said Wednesday at Children’s Hospital while demonstrating how effective a locking mechanism can be on a partly-open window. “The aftermath is horrible.”
Dr. Ash Singhal, a pediatric neurosurgeon and medical director of the Children’s Hospital trauma program, said some of the six children had serious brain injuries as well as broken arms and legs.
“The message is, ‘Windows open no wider than a fist, and use a lock,’ ” said Singhal, noting some parents believe a screen will stop kids from falling. “Screens are designed to keep bugs out, not to keep kids in.”
While most accidents happen at the child’s own home, people planning to have visitors over need to look ahead to possible problems.
“You may be having a family over, or having a barbecue,” said Oberg. “You need to make sure that furniture is not pushed up next to an open window.”
Singhal said accidents can happen quickly, so you need to eliminate the risk before the fact. “Kids are naturally curious — that’s what’s great about them, but it can be a problem, too. And they are fast. You can’t always keep an eye on them. And people don’t realize toddlers can climb before they can walk.”
Among the tips for parents, caregivers or party planners:
Don’t underestimate a child’s mobility; children begin climbing before they can walk.
Move household items away from windows to discourage children from climbing to peer out.
Be aware that window screens will not prevent children from falling through.
Install window guards on windows above the ground level, or fasten the windows so that they cannot open more than 10 centimetres.
Don’t leave children unattended on balconies or decks, and move furniture or planters away from the edges to prevent kids from climbing up and over.