Connecticut Children's warns families about summer safety risks as school lets out
School is out for summer for a lot of Connecticut children this week, and healthcare leaders in our state are using this time to remind everyone about the dangers many kids may encounter in the coming months.
Those at Connecticut Children’s said this marks the start of a busy time in the emergency room, which they often refer to as the ‘trauma season’.
During the next few months, they said they usually see an increase in preventable injuries in both children and adults.
On Wednesday, a group of medical professionals, law enforcement officials, and safety advocates visited their Westport location to raise awareness about the things people in our state should be looking for. They covered a wide range of topics aimed at preventing tragedies from firework safety and hot car dangers to suicide prevention.
They also pointed out a troubling trend they’re already seeing this year.
“We’re also seeing a remarkable rise in e-bike and electric scooter injuries, particularly among adolescents. It’s astounding this year, significantly more even than last year,” said Dr. Steven Rogers, Connecticut Children’s Emergency Medicine Medical Director and Youth Suicide Prevention Center Mental Health Leader.
Another thing they said they can’t stress enough is the importance of water safety.
Safe Kids Connecticut lists drowning as the leading cause of injury-related deaths for children from one to four years old in our state. They report 88 percent of pediatric drownings happen between May and August, and more than half occur on holiday weekends.
Now, she’s encouraging everyone to designate a water watcher.
“When everyone is watching, no one is watching. Because I let my guard down because my brother and sister-in-laws and nieces and there were people around. And I let my guard down. And, I don’t want that to happen to anyone else,” said Kim Leonard, of the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation.
For those who have questions about connecting their child to any mental health resources for the summer, you’re encouraged to contact 211.
Anyone looking for more tips on awareness efforts and how to stay safe this summer can contact the Connecticut Prevention Center at Connecticut Children’s at (860) 545-9000.
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