Preventing falls from windows may not be something that's on the mind of every parent - especially this time of year. But as the Indian summer continues here in the Bay Area and elsewhere, windows in homes may be left open, leaving kids vulnerable to accidents.
Over on the Healthier, Happier Lives Blog yesterday, Daniel Imler, MD, assistant professor of pediatric emergency medicine, talked about injuries caused by falls, noting that the most common kinds are extremity fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and damage to the cervical spine. After saying that "window screens only offer minimal help," he also outlined some preventive tips for parents:
Move furniture away from windows and prevent children from climbing over. Locking all closed doors and windows is a great preventative measure as well. If you do open a window safety locks can help keep the window open only 4 inches for safety. Some families choose to install windows that open from the top down on floors above the ground level.
Previously: A young child, a falling cabinet, and a Life Flight rescue, Carseats save lives, but only if kids are buckled in and Rattled by one child's injury, a whole family becomes accident-prone
Photo by Kalexander2010
