It’s great to be Outdoors!

Summer time is play time. It’s just great to be outdoors. Being outdoors means that more people are walking, cycling, playing in the park or just out in the yard enjoying the summer sun shine. Get outside and have some summer fun!

The number one cause of injury in the 5-9 year old age group is pedestrian injuries.

Why? At this age they lack judgment and the perceptual skills to safely navigate intersections and streets. So what can we all do to prevent injury?

• Motorists should reduce their speed especially in residential areas or near playground areas.

• Teach your children to stop at driveways, alleys and areas without curbs and to never run out into the street.

• Teach your children to cross at the corner by stopping to activate the pedestrian cross signals (if the exist), look both ways and listen for oncoming traffic. Wait and keep looking to ensure no vehicles are coming. When crossing the street to walk, don’t run and look the driver of the vehicle in the eye while they are in the crosswalk.

• School patrollers should be respected and play an important role at school crossing intersections. Children should be taught to obey their directions.

• Teach children to walk on the sidewalk, never on the street, but a far away from traffic as possible. If there are no sidewalks always walk facing traffic.

• Teach children to never cross between parked cars.

• Teach children that playing games around railway tracks or railway crossings can be deadly. The only safe way to cross a railway track is at the designated crossing.

• Parents be a good role model as our children mimic what we see, so don’t cross in the middle of the block if you want your child to cross at the intersection.

With more activity outdoors, you might consider buying your children a swing, slide or other play apparatus. Follow a few of these simple guidelines will prevent injury incidents:

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• Start with equipment the children can use safely now vs. buying something they will grow into.

• Falls from play equipment are a cause of injury: deep, soft surfaces underneath such as wood chips; keep heights low; ensure equipment has guard rails; children under five should avoid high equipment.

• Swing seats should be made of rubber or soft seats.

• Ensure equipment is firmly anchored to prevent it from tipping.

• Take off any cords or strings that could strangle your child during play.

• Always supervise a young child at water play.

• Inspect your backyard playground regularly looking for signs of wear, cracks and ensure bolts are tight.

What if an emergency happened to your child or to someone else’s while you were at the playground. Would you know what to do? Being prepared for an emergency involves a few simple steps.

If it’s a fall don’t immediately move the person without checking to see if everything moves and nothing appears to be broken.

If the child is dizzy, confused or lightheaded from a fall then a trip to the doctor is in order as it might be a concussion.

If there are any possible injuries and you don’t feel confident or able to handle then call for paramedic help.

Major injuries such as broken bones should be a call for paramedics.

Know what you can or cannot handle but treating any minor injury can be done safely at home.

Know what to do by taking a first aid course. We have courses to help you be prepared. Enjoy your summer!