HARLINGEN – School is still out for the summer, and from pool parties and long days at the beach, to backyard barbeques and long bike rides, children can hardly wait to have fun in the sun.
Before parents let their children escape the confines of home, they can take steps to keep kids safe so they can avoid having to go back inside – to the hospital emergency room.
Be safe in the water
Drowning is one of the leading causes of injury related deaths for children aged 1 to 4, with an average of three children dying a day as a result. That is why it is always important to have an adult watching whenever children are near a pool or water. A fence and self-locking gate should be installed around backyard pools to keep kids out when the pool is not in use. Providing proper swimming lessons, as well as knowing CPR, are also great ways to ensure children’s safety.
Always wear a helmet
Approximately 300,000 children go to the emergency room due to bike-related injuries. Children must always wear a properly-fitted helmet, and the straps should always be fastened. Be sure to check for helmets that have safety approval stickers by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Go for a safe ride
Another leading cause of death among children between the ages of 5 and 19 is motor vehicle-related accidents. Children are also at risk of pedestrian and bicycle related deaths as well. Injury or death of a child may be prevented with a properly fitted car seat and seat belt. Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle or while crossing the street.
Watch where
children play
More than 200,000 children in the U.S. aged 14 and younger visit the ER for playground-related injuries, many of which are head related. Make sure to watch children closely as they play. Be aware of potentially dangerous objects, such as rocks or branches. Follow rules and signs on the playground and make sure children are using age appropriate equipment.
Keep children
away from heat
More than 300 children between the ages of 0 and 19 years old go to the emergency room as a result of burn injuries every day.
To avoid burns to a child’s chest, legs and face, adults should not let children play with fireworks and keep them away from the grill, campfires and fire pits.
Here are other ways parents can keep their kids safe during the summer
• Skin Cancer is the most frequent type of cancer in the United States, and is usually due to excessive exposure of ultraviolet (UV) rays on the skin. SPF 30 sunscreen is highly recommended, but the higher the degree, the more protection. Apply 30 minutes before children go outside and then every two hours, as sunscreen can wash off easily.
• UV light is typically the strongest between the hours of 10am- 4pm, so make sure to cover up the skin in addition to sunscreen for more protection.
• Allow only one child on a trampoline at a time, and make sure the trampoline has safety walls and coverings over the springs.
• Keep children hydrated in hot weather, and know the signs of dehydration.
But even with safety precautions in place, accidents happen. When they do, Valley Baptist-Harlingen is prepared to provide high-quality healthcare to area pediatric patients.
In addition to the Valley Baptist-Harlingen Matt & Patty Gorges Children’s Center, which features 25 private rooms and 14 pediatric intensive care rooms, as well as greater access to expanded pediatric specialty care in areas as cardiology, pulmonary medicine, neurology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, endocrinology, surgery, intensive care, oncology, immunology, and dentistry, Valley Baptist will soon open its 12-bed Pediatric Emergency Room on Monday, August 7.
“This ER within an ER will feature 12 dedicated pediatric beds in a pediatric-friendly environment, with features designed for maximum safety and security specifically for children. Valley Baptist-Harlingen has been a leader in pediatric care in Cameron County,” said Valley Baptist Health System CEO Manny Vela.
“We have the only Pediatric ICU in the county, as well as the only Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and only Pediatrics Department in Harlingen,” he said.
“We look forward to offering the Pediatric Emergency Room within in our Emergency Room, which is often the front door of our facility.”
