Typical Child Safety Hazards

The lists of possible hazards to kids inside and outside the home can appear unlimited. However by taking practical safety measures and knowing what to do in an emergency situation, the chances of injury or death are significantly reduced. We round up common threats.

Kids are eager to explore the world around them, however this can result in severe injuries if safety measures aren’t taken. Dr Maurice El Khoury, expert paediatrician at Healthpoint healthcare facility in Abu Dhabi, states falls are the number-one cause of injuries in the home. “Kid can fall from stairs and from or versus furnishings, including beds, couches, chairs, coffee tables, and on slippery surfaces. Items can likewise fall from a height, such as a bookshelf or table,” states El Khoury.

Up-to-date figures from the UAE are doing not have, but a 2008 study by UAE University reported that 10 kids die from falls every year– most of whom are between the age of 1 and 4– but included that “officially reported numbers probably ignore the true circumstance”.

According to the report, falls were also the most typical cause of health center emergency-department visits for injuries, with most happening in the house.

The UAE has a stunning record of kids passing away after falling from tall structures. In August, Dubai Authorities stated 14 children have been eliminated in falls from balconies and high locations since 2012. The average age was in between 2 and 4.

This is the most significant concern among people who register for first-aid courses, according to Annie Browne, president of Health & & Safety Solutions, which runs courses throughout the UAE.

“Choking is a significant worry, especially for housemaids and nannies,” she says. “This is something they discover frequently and are horrified of doing the wrong thing.”

Foods such as grapes and whole nuts are especially dangerous as they are just the ideal size to get lodged in a child’s throat. Raw vegetables, popcorn, sugary foods, coins, marbles, popped or deflated balloons, pen lids, Lego pieces and small batteries are also harmful.

“Kid will constantly put things in their mouths, ears and noses as they are curious,” says Cecile de Scally, founder of Child Senses education centre in Dubai. “And parents need to beware with offering their kids foods that they can not swallow if they are not yet chewing.”

Regional data are lacking, but in the United States, one kid passes away every 5 days from choking on food.

Browne states she frequently becomes aware of events from her first-aid course graduates.

“The youngest child saved was five months old when an older sibling provided the infant a piece of raw carrot. The child put it into its mouth and choked,” says Browne. “The 22-year-old maid immediately turned the infant face down over her knee and did 5 back slaps, then turned her over and did 3 chest thrusts and the carrot was dislodged.”

Road and lorry safety

Traffic-related injuries are the primary cause of death during youth and youth in the UAE, according to a 2013 research study by UAE University.

Not wearing a safety belt is a substantial factor. “In a crash at 50kph, an unrestrained child would be tossed forward with a force equivalent to falling from a three-storey structure,” according to Thomas Edelmann of Roadway Safety UAE.

UAE law prohibits kids under 10 from being in the front seat, however there is no cars and truck seat legislation.

“In the UAE, lots of kids stroll free inside a moving lorry and some parents think that sitting silently will be enough for taking a trip,” states El Khoury.

Besides seat belts, typical sense comes into play when trying to prevent injuries. In 2015, 2 toddlers died after being struck by reversing cars in Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah.

Another car-related threat is leaving kids inside stationary, ignored lorries. “A greenhouse result takes location within the boundaries of the windows in locked cars and trucks, which save heat and raise the temperature level inside the car really quickly,” discusses El Khoury. “Unfortunately we have seen this take place, in specific, in our area. Most of these catastrophes involve babies and children listed below the age of 2 who have actually dropped off to sleep in their rear-facing safety seat.”

Burns and electrocution

It’s not just pans of boiling water or cups of tea that caretakers ought to expect. Hair straighteners and hair dryers likewise reach extremely heats so it’s important to make certain they are turned off and out of reach when not in use.

The sun is likewise a burn danger. In the summer season, the UV index in the UAE reaches 11+, indicating there is an “extreme” danger of harm. Children should use a high-factor sunscreen and prevent being outside in between 10am and 4pm. Serious sunburn can cause blisters, discomfort and swelling.

Particular chemicals, such as bleach or cleansing items, can also burn the skin or do severe internal damage if ingested and should, for that reason, constantly be locked away from children.

When cooking, all pan handles ought to be pointed towards the wall and not over the edge of the counter where a kid might rise and get them. Utilize the back hobs whenever possible.

Harmed or unprotected wall plugs, too, can be unsafe, as can exposed wires.

Water safety

El Khoury states although drownings are fairly uncommon, water is one of the main accident catalysts. A child can drown in simply a few inches of water, and for this reason must always be supervised in the bath, swimming pool or paddling swimming pool. It’s not just big containers that present a threat; an 18-month-old Emirati child passed away in October 2014 after falling into a pail of water in her moms and dads’ bathroom.

De Scally recommends parents to keep the covers down on toilet seats, fence pool and fit and maintain swimming pool covers effectively.

5 risks in the house

Medicines and cleaning items: Keep all medications locked and off the ground, ideally in a medication cabinet, and do not take medication in front of children. Cleaning products need to remain in locked cabinets as the bright colours can be attracting children.

Blind cables, windows and balcony doors: Never leave long blind cables hanging, they can quickly strangle a child. Never ever leave any windows or terrace doors open, and do not put any furniture in front of them.

Cars: Never ever buy an utilized child’s cars and truck seat without understanding its history: has it remained in a mishap or recalled? The safest location for a seat remains in the back and rear-facing. Front-facing seats are only suggested for children over the age of 2.

Stairs: Stair gates ought to be installed on all stairs, even brief flights. They are likewise helpful in keeping young kids in or out of rooms or locations that do not have strong doors.

General: Go through your home from a kid’s eye level to spot otherwise hidden dangers.

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