Accident Prevention
Dr. Sara Galal
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Accident prevention
Definition:
Accident is an unexpected event resulting in a recognizable injury.
Accident kills and cripples more children than any disease. If parents
understand their child's activities at certain ages, they can prevent many
serious injuries by taking necessary precautions. The toddler especially
vulnerable because he has a natural curiosity for investigating his
environment.
Common types of accidents among children
1- Automobile accident: -
Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death and crippling of
children.
Methods of prevention
1- Teach children to look both ways before crossing the street and the
meaning of traffic lights.
2- Hold the toddler's hand when crossing.
3- Use car seat for children or seat belts.
4- Don't allow children to ride in the bake of open trucks.
2- Burns
Children are fascinated by fire; they like to play with matches and
candles.
Methods of prevention
1- Teach the child's the meaning of hot.
2- Put matches and cigarettes out of reach and sight of children.
3- Turn handles of cooking utensils to the back of the stove.
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4- Don't leave the bathroom when hot water is running or after has
filled.
5- Cover electric outlets.
6- Test heated foods before putting them in front of the child.
7- Keep a small fire extinguisher available.
8- Practice with the child what to do in case of fire at home.
3- Falls
Children experience a great number of falls in the process of growing.
They need freedom to move, walk, run, climb, however, they must be
kept safe from situations that can result in sever bodily harm.
Methods of prevention
1- Teach children how to go up and come down safely.
2- Mop spilled water from the floor immediately.
3- Place screen on all windows.
4- Suffocation and choking
The toddler loves to put objects into his mouth.
Methods of prevention
1- Remove small objects such as coins, buttons, and pins from the
children reach.
2- Don't allow children to play with deflated balloons as they can such
it into the trachea.
3- Don't feed popcorn, nuts, and small candies to small children.
4- Remove small bones from chicken and fish.
5- Keep plastic bags away from children.
5- Poisoning
Poisoning is hazard for children between the ages of one and four
years. Children like to taste things especially if they are colorful.
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Methods of prevention
1- Store household detergents and other cleaning supplies out of the
children.
2- Don't put chemicals into food or beverage containers.
3- Keep medicine in locked cabinet. Do not refer to pills as candy.
Flush old medicine down the toilet.
4- Wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
5- Carry a first aid kit at home.
6- Avoid poisonous house plants.
6- Drowning
Children enjoy playing in the water which can be hazardous
Methods of prevention
1- Teach the child to swim when he is old enough.
2- Empty pools or bathtubs when the child has finished.
3- Stay with the child all the time when he is in the tub.
4- Remove basins of water from the child's reach.
5- Watch children constantly while at the beach or near pool.
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Accident prevention in pediatric hospital
The nurse must follow and apply safety measures on the children's ward
the following is a list of measures that the pediatric nurse should follow:-
1- Always keep crib sides up when the child is unattended in bed.
2- Wash your hands before and after caring for each child.
3- Check wheelchairs and stretchers before placing children them.
4- Place fans out of reach of children.
5- Inspect toys for sharp edges.
6- Keep medications and solutions out of reach and sight of children.
7- Apply restraints correctly to prevent constriction of body part.
8- Identify the child correctly before giving medications.
9- Prevent cross infection: Diaper care, toys and materials that belong
to one child should not be used for another child.
10- Locate fire extinguisher in your unit.
11- Cap hot water bottle tightly.
12- Remain with the child when taking temperature.
13- Handle infants and small children.
14- Don't force feeding to small children.
15- Don't leave medications at the bedside.
16- Don't give oily medications to a crying child because of the danger
of choking.
17- Don't allow ambulatory children to use wheelchairs or stretchers
as a toy.
Parent need to be advised for how to prevent accidents for children
especially preschool children because child from 3-5 years usually
hurries up and down stairs and he plays hard with his toys.
1- Stair ways must be kept free.
2- Shoes should have rubber soles.
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3- Never ask he preschool child to do anything that is dangerous like
carrying a glass container or knife to the kitchen sink.
4- Child should be taught where he can safety ride his tricycle and
play ball; he must not play in or around the car.
5- Keep matches cigarette lighters and coffee or tea pots out of child
reach.
6- Keep medications out of the children reach because at this age
they like to imitate adults and having their pills especially if they smell
good.
