June 2014 Issue No 65 news www.safekids.org.nz Starship Trauma Update: Child Falls Injury p6 While childhood fall related injuries are often viewed as ‘part’ of growing up, some falls can cause serious injury with great social and financial costs to children, their families and the government. In some cases falls are fatal. WHERE THEY FALL 0-4 years Home playgrounds, chairs, slipping, tripping or stumbling on same level ground. 10-14 years School or public playgrounds, slipping, tripping or stumbling on same level ground or surface, scooters and skateboards, or colliding with another person. 5-9 years School or public playgrounds, slipping, tripping or stumbling on same level ground or surface, out of trees. IN NEW ZEALAND: I FELL Every day 11 children are hospitalised. ACC claims costs from child falls That’s 3,901 a year. 2 children die every year. It’s also the #1 cause of hospitalisation for unintentional injuries. Q&A: Is it legal to turn off air bags if a child ever needed to sit in the front seat? Page 6 amount to $45 million per year on average (Source: ACC) Infographic: Child Falls Injury Page 7 Boys (60%) Tamariki Māori Urban & deprived areas Playground equipment is the leading cause of fall related hospitalisation (37%). Except for the ACC claims costs, New Zealand figures are from the Safekids Aotearoa factsheet “Childhood unintentional fall related injuries” March 2012. www.safekids.org.nz/index.php/page/Falls. WORLDWIDE: Every day 130 children die from fall related injuries around the world (WHO, UNICEF, World Report on Child Injury Prevention, 2008). SOME GOOD PRACTICE INTERVENTIONS ARE: ENGINEERING ENFORCEMENT OF RULES EDUCATION The use of stair gates, sand, wood chip or any impact absorbing safety surfacing for playgrounds, and installing safety mechanisms in windows. Enforcement of playground soft surfacing materials to a safe depth, regular maintenance of playground equipment, and enforcement of the helmet rule when children ride bikes. Promote engineering and enforcement interventions, use of safety helmets, and active supervision by caregivers. Medical Factsheet: Diagnosing and treating button battery child injury Page 8 CREATED MAY 2014 0800 POISON Under Threat Page 4 RISK FACTORS FOR HOSPITALISATIONS: Photo credit: RIDE-ON – Nelson/ Tasman PLUS: Burns Safety Ads, Seven Sharp, Rural Women 20Km Bus Trials Update, New Resources and Community Events around the Country! Sponsored By 5th Floor, Cornwall Complex 40 Claude Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023 PO Box 26488, Epsom, Auckland 1344 New Zealand P +64 9 630 9955 F +64 9 630 9961 [email protected] www.safekids.org.nz Safekids Aotearoa’s mission is to reduce the incidence and severity of unintentional injuries to children in New Zealand ages 0-14 years. MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR The Hardest Job in the World – Parenting! Have you ever wondered what the hardest job in the world is? At Safekids Aotearoa we think there’s only one job that fits this description – parenting! As a parent or caregiver, we are responsible for ensuring that children enjoy a life free from the adverse effects of injury. It can involve providing a safe sleeping environment, a home designed or safety devices installed to prevent fall injuries, or a space to play away from driveways. “As parents and caregivers we are legally accountable for the decisions we make that affect the health, safety and wellbeing of our children.” Sincerely, It’s also a 24/7 job that is selfless and often self-sacrificing. However what makes Welcome Helena! Helena has previously worked in local government and the tertiary education sectors. She is a registered librarian (RLIANZA) and currently undertaking the New Zealand Diploma in Public Relations and Communication Management through the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand. In her spare time she enjoys movies, cooking, reading, yoga and competitive ballroom dancing. Helena can be contacted [email protected]. Book celebrates Starship, Safekids Starship: Inside Our National Children's Hospital celebrates the history and wonderful work of Starship. Edited by Starship's Clinical Director of Haematology & Oncology Dr Lochie Teague, the book offers remarkable insight on a world-class hospital. The book includes contributions from frontline and behind-the-scenes staff who are passionately dedicated to Starship's care of sick and injured children. Safekids Aotearoa has its own chapter describing the history, goals and achievements of the organisation since the early 1990s. Support Starship and Safekids by buying the book. Order one now by emailing [email protected] COVER: Thank you to Mt Roskill Early Childhood Centre teachers and students for helping us with the photography of the Preventing Falls to Under Fives Project Plan (see page 7). 2 safekids news June 2014 Issue No 65 Children have the universal right to be protected from preventable injuries, and as parents and caregivers we are legally accountable for those decisions that affect the health, safety and wellbeing of children. That is why at Safekids Aotearoa, with the support of our sponsors, partners and community coalitions, we strive to make evidence-based child injury prevention information available so we can all make the right decisions for our children. It can be transporting children in child restraints until they are 148cm tall, teaching kids how to swim, or making sure they wear helmets when cycling and scootering. Helena Westwick joined Safekids in April as the new Information Specialist. Her background is in corporate librarianship, web content management, communications and marketing. She has an MA from The University of Auckland and a Masters of Library and Information Studies from Victoria University of Wellington. parenting the most difficult job in the world is not the physical things we have to provide, but the decisions we have to make to keep them safe. Ann Weaver Director, Safekids Aotearoa Safekids News is the quarterly publication of Safekids Aotearoa For enquiries, contact the editor at [email protected]. Safekids News aims to promote discussion within the injury prevention community. Articles from other organisations do not necessarily reflect the views of Safekids Aotearoa. About Safekids Aotearoa Safekids Aotearoa is the injury prevention service of Starship Children’s Health and a member of Safe Kids Worldwide. Our mission is to reduce the incidence and severity of unintentional injuries to children in Aotearoa aged 0 – 14 years. Safekids Aotearoa Team Ann Weaver, Director Anthony Rola, Marketing and Communications Blackie Tohiariki, Kaitohutohu/ Māori Advisor Chantal Woodfine, Partnerships Manager Gervaise Ledger, Team Support Heather Robertson, Policy Analyst Helena Westwick, Information Specialist Joanna Milne, PA to the Director Moses 'Alatini, Policy Analyst Simone Randle, Injury Prevention Advisor Victoria Jarvis, Programme Coordinator A Service Of Make a difference Safekids Aotearoa encourages the involvement of government, community, industry, decision makers and families in child safety. If you would like to know more about us, wish to advocate on behalf of children in your community, or partner in a programme with us, contact us at: Safekids Aotearoa PO Box 26488, Epsom, Auckland 1344, New Zealand. Telephone: +64-9 630 9955 Fax: +64-9-630 9961 www.safekids.org.nz CHILD INJURY PREVENTION NEWS 2014 Workshops: Christchurch, Wellington and Palmerston North The 2014 Safekids Aotearoa child injury prevention workshop series got off to a great start with sessions in Christchurch, Wellington and Palmerston North. Christchurch In Wellington and Palmerston North, Safekids Aotearoa Māori Advisor Blackie Tohiariki talked about the symbolism of the koru and how it relates to the learning attendees gained at the workshops. “In its embryonic form, the delicate young leaves of the koru are wrapped and cradled, reminding us our responsibilities as guardians to the children who rely on us. The outward curve of the koru also symbolises the passage of learning and development we must all take. Using the knowledge we gain at the workshops, we hope to guard the safety and wellbeing of children in Aotearoa,” Blackie said. Palmerston North BOOK NOW: • Moerewa, Northland: 11 June • Auckland: 19 June • Hastings: 25 June A certificate of attendance will be given to those who complete a workshop. To register, contact: VictoriaJ@adhb. govt.nz Wellington Workshop attendees came from a wide range of organisations. “Participants received new information, brushed up on existing knowledge, shared experiences, challenges and success, and worked together on ideas going forward. Feedback from participants indicates that the sessions were interactive, informative, and, I dare say, a fun day!” said Safekids Aotearoa Injury Prevention Advisor Simone Randle. “Ka pai and thank you to all the wonderful people who came along to listen, ask questions and share their views and ideas,” Simone added. Below are just some of the comments we received after the three workshops: Very well Great workshop. I always learn something new. When I left I had plenty to think about and a plan of action. facilitated. With excellent Really enjoyed it! Good networking opportunity. Well- presented and well organised. presentations and information. An informative and interesting workshop, especially the button battery part. Really enjoyed the interactive sessions, great to monitor progress on these issues. Radio Campaign: Who’s Your Hot Water Lifeguard? A trip to the beach may not be as appealing during the winter season, however according to Safekids Aotearoa and Burn Support Charitable Trust, ‘Lifeguards’ are still needed, especially at home. The radio campaign ‘Who’s Your Hot Water Lifeguard’ is playing in radio stations Flava, NuiFM and Radio 531pi throughout winter. It features the voices of New Zealand Breakers forward Dillon Boucher and Pacific radio host Nicole Rex who encourage listeners to be the life guards and learn about important hot water burns prevention messages. According to Safekids Aotearoa every day a child is burned severely enough to be admitted into hospital. Of 1 to 2 year olds admitted to hospital due to severe burns, over half are caused by spilt hot drinks (tea and coffee) and other liquids. To listen to the radio ads, visit: http://youtu.be/W88ScblAp2g safekids news June 2014 Issue No 65 3 CHILD INJURY PREVENTION NEWS 0800 POISON Under Threat Supporters of the National Poison Centre are worried that combining the 0800 POISON emergency helpline with smoking, gambling, alcohol, drugs and depression counselling telephone services could add precious seconds before callers receive potentially life-saving specialist advice they immediately need. keep a standalone 0800 POISON helpline which Dr Clark said adheres to World Health Organisation guidelines. If you would like to sign the petition, visit: labour.org.nz/0800poison The Ministry of Health announced this year the development of an integrated national telehealth service, creating a '111-style' triage service to merge the dedicated helplines of Problem Gambling, Quitline, Alcohol Drug Helpline and 0800 POISON. Dr David Clark, the Labour Party’s Associate Health Spokesperson, said every second counts for a poisoned child. “It is important for parents and caregivers to receive immediate first aid information or emergency advice to reduce the adverse effects of a poisoning injury, or the risk of death to the child,” Dr Clark said. In response, a petition has been created to The Battery Controlled Featured at Seven Sharp Mike Hoskings and Toni Street gave The Battery Controlled campaign a boost by featuring the button battery injury demonstration kit developed by Safekids Aotearoa, in partnership with Energizer. Seven Sharp also featured a mum whose daughter was hospitalised after swallowing a button battery, and Safekids Aotearoa Director Ann Weaver who showed how easy it is for small children to find button batteries at home. It also featured Starship Hospital's Dr Michael Shepherd who explained to parents the importance of taking immediate action if they suspect that a child has swallowed a button battery, or has inserted one in the nose or ears. “In as little as 2 hours a button battery stuck in the throat, nose or ears can cause serious injury that can lead to the death of the child. Take the child to a hospital emergency department immediately where the battery can be removed,” Mike said. To watch the Seven Sharp feature, or to order The Battery Controlled demo kit, posters and flyers (Registration required), visit: www.tvnz.co.nz/seven-sharp/playingpoison-video-5883575 www.thebatterycontrolled.co.nz/partners 4 safekids news June 2014 Issue No 65 CHILD INJURY PREVENTION NEWS US: Hollywood Turns Up to Support ‘Safe Kids Day’ On Saturday, April 5 more than 450 families and kids attended the firstever Safe Kids Day in Los Angeles, California. Drew Barrymore, Malin Akerman, Ciara, Kendra Wilkinson, Neal McDonough, Vanna White and Tom Arnold were just some of the stars that attended the Hollywood venue to support Safe Kids Day. Like in New Zealand, preventable injuries are the #1 killer of children in the U.S. “Safe Kids Day is a day to celebrate the potential of every child by helping prevent injuries and save lives. Our goal was to raise awareness and funds to support our programs in the U.S. and in other countries where Safe Kids is present,” said Kate Carr, President and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. For more information about Safe Kids Day, visit: http://www.safekids.org/skd/ Illuminated 20K Bus Sign Trials a Success A year-long trial in Ashburton has shown that illuminated 20k signs on buses can have a big impact on driver behaviour. According to Rural Women NZ, during the ‘Either Way It's 20k’ trial in Ashburton there was a marked drop in speeds when the 20k signs were in operation, with many motorists slowing to between 25 and 35 km/h. The bright LED signs lit up automatically when the bus door opened, and flashing amber lights operated for 20 seconds before the bus stopped and after it had pulled away, giving approaching drivers plenty of warning of a hazard ahead. Rural Women NZ hopes the 20k signs will be approved for use as part of next year’s amendment to the Traffic Devices Control rule. For further information, visit: www.ruralwomen.org.nz safekids news June 2014 Issue No 65 5 ADVOCACY MATTERS Q&A Booster Seats, Front Seats and Airbags By Moses ‘Alatini, Safekids Aotearoa Policy Analyst Question: Is it legal to turnoff air bags if a child ever needed to sit in the front seat? –Parent, Dunedin. Answer: According to the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), it is legal to switch airbags off if a child ever needed to sit in the front passenger seat. Many vehicles (mainly European ones) have switches that allow the driver to temporarily disable passenger airbags, and they can also be retrofitted in New Zealand (Low Volume Certification is needed for that). Furthermore, quite a few newer vehicles can detect when a child restraint is installed in the front seat and disable the airbags automatically. Consult your car’s user manual for details. Question: Can my 5 year old sit in the front seat with a booster seat? Is there a law for this if I can or cannot? – From Rochelle of Huntly Answer: According to NZTA, it is legal to put a child in the front passenger seat, in the following circumstances: • They are correctly restrained, including child restraints for children under 7 years old. • When the back seats are unavailable, such as when the vehicle has no back seats (utility vans), for cars that only have 2 passenger seats, or when all back seats are occupied by younger restrained children. NZTA and Safekids Aotearoa recommends that children sit in the back seat of a vehicle where they will be safer in the event of a crash. NZTA and Safekids Aotearoa also said to never place a child in a rear-facing child restraint into the front seat of a car that has a passenger airbag, unless that airbag has been switched off. If the airbag is activated the child could be seriously injured or killed. Safekids Aotearoa and NZTA agree that all child restraints, including forward facing restraints, are best installed in the rear passenger seat. Evidence from research also shows that children under the height of 148cm should be restrained in a correctly installed child restraint that is suitable for their size and age. For more information about the child passenger safety laws, and keeping children safe on the road, visit: www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/factsheets/07/docs/07- child-restraints.pdf www.mysafekids.org.nz/passengersafety Cycling and Scootering Policy Guidelines for Early Childhood Centres An early childhood version of Safekids Aotearoa’s Safe2Scoot school policy guideline is now available. ADHB Health Promotion Facilitator Paula Nepia authored the policy document which answers the question: Why does your Early Childhood Centre need a cycle and scooter policy? “Cycles and scooters are popular toys or modes of transport for children aged 0-4, so we would like to see centres have a policy on the use of safety helmets and provide a safe environment where children scoot, cycle or skate safely,” Paula said. On average 49 children age five years old and under are hospitalised for injuries relating to cycle and scooter injuries every year. Children’s brains are particularly vulnerable to injury, and cycle helmets provide effective protection and reduce the risk of injuries. The policy document can be downloaded at: www.safekids.org.nz/index.php/page/skateboard-scooter 6 safekids news June 2014 Issue No 65 THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Falls Injury Resources Infographic: FALLS INJURY This new infographic is based on Safekids Aotearoa’s factsheet Childhood Unintentional Fall Related Injuries (March 2012) with additional information from ACC on claims costs from child falls, and worldwide child fall death figures from the WHO and UNICEF’s World Report on Child Injury Prevention (2008). While childhood fall related injuries are often viewed as ‘part’ of growing up, some falls can cause serious injury with great social and financial costs to children, their families and the government. In some cases falls are fatal. To download this infographic or to order printed copies, visit: www.safekids.org.nz/index.php/page/Falls WHERE THEY FALL www.safekids.org.nz BABIES DON’T NEED BABY WALKERS Babies Don’t Need Baby Walkers Babies learn to walk at different ages. Some babies pick this up faster than others. The best place for babies to learn how to crawl and walk is on the floor. Time on their tummies, rolling, crawling and stretching on the floor is what babies need for their development. Baby walkers are not baby minders. They can be dangerous. They allow babies to reach places they couldn’t reach if they were playing on the floor. Babies using baby walkers can move quickly – much more quickly than you can imagine - and supervising them doesn’t mean you can stop an injury. It’s better not to have a baby walker at all. 0-4 years Babies Don’t Need Baby Walkers Home playgrounds, chairs, slipping, tripping or stumbling on same level ground. 10-14 years Baby walkers are not baby minders. They can be dangerous. They allow babies to reach places they couldn’t reach if they were playing on the floor. School or public playgrounds, slipping, tripping or stumbling on same level ground or surface, scooters and skateboards, or colliding with another person. Babies using baby walkers have: 5-9 years School or public playgrounds, slipping, tripping or stumbling on same level ground or surface, out of trees. • Fallen against fires, down stairs and off decks • Been burned by hot water from pots and kettles they shouldn’t have been able to reach • Poisoned themselves with medications and household cleaners parents thought were stored out of reach The best place for babies to learn how to crawl and walk is on the floor. Time on their tummies, rolling, crawling and stretching on the floor is what babies need for their development. This Safekids Aotearoa A5 flyer educates parents about the dangers of baby walkers. To order, download our order form www.safekids.org.nz IN NEW ZEALAND: I FELL Every day 11 children are hospitalised. ACC claims costs from child falls That’s 3,901 a year. 2 children die every year. It’s also the #1 cause of hospitalisation for unintentional injuries. RISK FACTORS FOR HOSPITALISATIONS: Tamariki Māori Boys (60%) Preventing Falls for Under 5s Project Plan Safekids Aotearoa’s Preventing Falls to Under Fives project plan is now available to Safekids community coalitions and partners. The resource is modeled from a project developed, delivered and evaluated by Kidsafe Taranaki Trust. The project plan guides community groups on how to deliver a falls prevention workshop to parents and caregivers of children under five. Urban & deprived areas amount to $45 million per year on average (Source: ACC) Playground equipment is the leading cause of fall related hospitalisation (37%). Except for the ACC claims costs, New Zealand figures are from the Safekids Aotearoa factsheet “Childhood unintentional fall related injuries” March 2012. www.safekids.org.nz/index.php/page/Falls. WORLDWIDE: Every day 130 children die from fall related injuries around the world (WHO, UNICEF, World Report on Child Injury Prevention, 2008). SOME GOOD PRACTICE INTERVENTIONS ARE: ENGINEERING ENFORCEMENT OF RULES EDUCATION The use of stair gates, sand, wood chip or any impact absorbing safety surfacing for playgrounds, and installing safety mechanisms in windows. Enforcement of playground soft surfacing materials to a safe depth, regular maintenance of playground equipment, and enforcement of the helmet rule when children ride bikes. Promote engineering and enforcement interventions, use of safety helmets, and active supervision by caregivers. Falls are the biggest cause of unintentional injury hospitalization, accounting for 40 percent of injury hospitalisation to children under five years. We would like to thank Kidsafe Taranaki for allowing us to use their project plan to develop a national resource that will support communities. To download or order this resource, visit: www.safekids.org.nz/index.php/page/Falls www.safekids.org.nz CREATED MAY 2014 Between 2006 and 2012, more than 1,000 preschool aged children were admitted to hospital each year due to a fall, an average of 3 a day. Photo credit: RIDE-ON – Nelson/ Tasman Sponsored By 5th Floor, Cornwall Complex 40 Claude Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023 PO Box 26488, Epsom, Auckland 1344 New Zealand P +64 9 630 9955 F +64 9 630 9961 [email protected] www.safekids.org.nz Safekids Aotearoa’s mission is to reduce the incidence and severity of unintentional injuries to children in New Zealand ages 0-14 years. safekids news June 2014 Issue No 65 7 THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: TheBatteryControlled.co.nz Medical Factsheet: Diagnosing and Treating Button Battery Child Injury Safekids Aotearoa has developed a medical factsheet that contains valuable information for GPs, paramedics, nurses and medical first responders on diagnosing and treating children suspected of swallowing or inserting a button battery in the nose or ears. The Battery Controlled Medical Factsheet was made in partnership with Starship Children’s Health Emergency Department Clinical Director Dr Mike Shepherd and the National Poison Centre. “Each year 20 children are taken to the Starship Emergency Department because of button battery-related injuries, or have been suspected of swallowing one. The National Poison Centre also receives on average 90 button battery-related calls per year,” Mike said. When a child swallows a button battery, or inserts it into the nose or ears, it can get stuck. Saliva or secretions triggers an electrical current causing severe burns and tissue damage within 2 hours. The injury is so severe it can cause the death of a child. The medical factsheet contains button battery injury facts, information on medical complications, how to make an x-ray diagnosis and treatment guidelines. “It’s absolutely vital that a child suspected of swallowing or inserting a button battery be taken straight to a hospital emergency department. It’s also important for medical practitioners to have the knowledge to diagnose and treat button battery related injuries,” Mike added. You must register at The Battery Controlled website to download this new factsheet http://www.thebatterycontrolled.co.nz/ partners In Partnership With Tauranga: School Learns How to be Safe around Button Batteries At Tauranga’s Brookfield School, year 4 and 5 students conducted a science experiment to learn what happens if a button battery gets stuck in the throat, nose or ears, thanks to a lesson plan created by Safekids Aotearoa in partnership with Energizer. “The lesson fitted nicely, as we had just been learning about the digestive system and the oesophagus. The students wrote about the damage that can be caused by button batteries to our bodies, and how to prevent it” said room 8 teacher Ngaire Gow. “We also found the new Energizer packaging tricky to open, which we thought was good as it prevents small children from getting into the packaging,” she added. The Battery Controlled lesson plan is curriculum linked to health & safety, science and technology, and is suitable curriculum levels 2-4. The lesson plan contains a materials list, instructions, video clip links and a discussion guide. To download and the lesson plan or order resources, you must register at The Battery Controlled website: http://www.thebatterycontrolled.co.nz/ partners 8 safekids news June 2014 Issue No 65 STARSHIP TRAUMA UPDATE Fall-Related Injury Admissions for children aged 0-4 years, Jan 2009 to Dec 2013 Data supplied from Starship Trauma Services, analysis by Heather Robertson, Safekids Aotearoa Policy Analyst During the five year time period from January 2009 to December 2013 a total of 2,680 children aged 0-14 years were admitted to Starship Children’s Hospital with unintentional fall-related injuries. This equates to a yearly average of 536 children, or approximately 10 children admitted per week. An additional four children were admitted and subsequently died as a result of their fall-related injuries, (not included in subsequent analysis provided). Males accounted for 59 percent (1,573) of admissions for fall-related injuries, in comparison to 41 percent (1,106) for females. Overall children aged between 0-4 years accounted for 27 percent of admissions, 5-9 years for 47 percent, and 10-14 years for 26 percent of fall-related admissions. Injury severity was assessed using the Injury Severity Score (ISS), which assigns numerical values to indicate the overall severity of injuries (highlighting the potential threat to life). Scores over 16 are deemed to be severe in nature and constitute a major trauma admission. However it should be noted that injury ISS scores below this number can still have long term consequences for the child and their family. Between 2009-2013 a total of 128 (4.8%) fall-related injury admissions to Starship Children’s Hospital were rated 16 or above, using ISS ratings¹. See Figure 1. Mechanisms of injury Fall-related injuries reported in the narrative description of the injury mechanism for children aged the 0-4 years is listed on Table 1 below. Body region injured and type of injury When categorized by body region, injuries to the extremities (upper or lower limb) occurred in 454 of the fall-related injury events, head (136), external (skin or soft tissue) (126), neck (24) and the chest and abdomen (4 and 6 respectively). Eighteen children were injured in more than one body area following a fall. Fall-relatedinjuries included fractures (546), lacerations (127), and concussions (14). Other injuries included head injuries, dislocations, and hematomas for example. Safety messages for children aged 0-4 years • Actively supervise children i.e. on playground equipment • Use window latches to prevent falls from windows • Use non slip mats in baths and showers • Change babies on the floor • Take care when carrying babies and toddlers • Use stair guards at the top and bottom of steps and stairs • Use bed rails to prevent falls out of beds, bunks are for children aged nine and over • Check equipment regularly and always use as intended (i.e. do not put bouncers or rockers on tables) • Be aware of children's developmental level i.e. – can they climb up on furniture? For more information, email [email protected] Figure 1. Frequency of Falls Admissions (2009-2013), 0-14 Years Figure 2. 0-4 Place of Injury Overview of fall-related injuries for children aged 0-4 years For children aged 0-4 years a total of 731 fall-related hospital admissions occurred between 2009 to 2013. In total 7.4% of these admissions were allocated an ISS score of sixteen or above, accounting for 42% of all ISS scores over sixteen for fallrelated injury admissions for children aged 0-14 years². The majority (67%) of these injuries occurred in the home environment. Gender distribution revealed male children accounted for 55 percent of fall-related hospital admissions, in comparison to 45 percent for female children. By ethnic group, European children accounted for the highest number of fall-related admissions (49%), followed by Māori (20%), Pacific (16%), Other (7%), Indian (4%), and Chinese (3%). Place of injury The majority of fall-related injuries in children aged 0-4 years occurred in the home environment (60%), followed by public buildings (16%), recreation (12%), other (11%), and street (1%). See Figure 2. Table 1. Mechanisms of Injury Total 0-1 yr Total 2-4 yrs Total Other (onto or out of objects, structures and surfaces) Playground equipment Trampoline Table, chairs, bench, shelves, vanity, drawers, stool, bookcase, and desk Bed, Bassinet, Cot, Bunk Bed Slipped, tripped or running at the time of the injury Being Carried by an adult or child who subsequently fell and/or dropped the child Deck/balcony, floor, ledge, retaining wall, other floor, and balustrade Couch or Sofa Object or Action Associated with the Injury Mechanism 35 6 ≤5 22 122 130 64 27 157 136 68 49 24 6 34 21 39 7 45 45 41 9 25 34 9 22 31 Window 11 17 28 24 Steps, stairs, escalator 11 13 Bike, skateboard, scooter, tricycle ≤5 16 21 Bath or shower ≤5 16 18 Tree 0 13 13 Bouncer chair 7 0 7 Changing table 7 0 7 Shopping trolley ≤5 ≤5 7 1. Six admissions for children aged 0-14 years were missing ISS values. 2. Five admissions for children aged 0-4 years were missing ISS values safekids news June 2014 Issue No 65 9 THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Community events Tiaho Primary Celebrates Road Safety Day Road Safety Day was held in Wairoa last month, with RoadSafe Hawke’s Bay, Eastern District Police, St Johns, Plunket and Tiaho Primary School staff and 130 students participating. An education circuit was designed for students with seven safety stations: safe walking, safe cycling and scootering, safe travelling/ child restraints, first aid, bus safety, a ‘crashed car’ scene station and a colouring competition station. “Safekids Aotearoa’s Safety Sam height charts were used to measure students at the child restraint station. They also received a certificate with their height measurement and information packs to take home,” said Road Safety Coordinator Kae Schlierike. Aside from learning about why it is important to sit in child restraints until they are 148cm tall, students were taught bike safety skills, how to wear safety helmets correctly and first aid lessons. “It was a great activity for Wairoa. The day was enjoyed by students and teachers alike. We hope to do the safety circuit in other schools,” Kae said. To order Safekids Aotearoa’s ‘148cm’ child restraint resources, download our order form www.safekids.org.nz Wairoa: Driveway Poster for Kids, by Kids We would like to thank the junior class at Te Kura o Waikaremoana and Kahungunu Executive Injury Prevention Coordinator Cheryl Te Amo in Wairoa for sending this driveway safety poster written in Te Reo Māori. For the translation, see below: Kare to mama I te kite I a koe, by Te Awatea (Your mother won’t see you) Kia tupato kei tukia koe e te motuka, by Wharetapu (Be careful you will get run over by a car) Kaua e hikoi ki te taha o te motuka, by Whakamoe (Dont walk on the side of the car) Kaua e takaro ki muri I te motuka, by Ripeka (Don't play behind the car) Kia tupato mo te motuka, by Kohi (Be careful of the car) Kia tupato kei whara koe, by Hinetetoiongarangi (Be careful you will have an accident) Kaua e noho ki muri I te motuka, by Whirimako (Don't sit behind the car) Wiri: Safer to Wait Till You’re 148cm Auckland Transport and Plunket visited Nestle’s factory in Wiri to promote child restraints. As a visual aid they borrowed Safekids Aotearoa’s height block to promote booster seats to school age children. Child restraints, safety information and the 148cm height block were on display for the whole week at Nestle’s staff cafeteria. According to NZ Transport Agency’s Child Restraint Factsheet, as the driver, you must make sure that any child under 7 years of age is properly restrained by an approved child restraint that is appropriate for the age and size of the child. The factsheet also states that it is generally accepted that children under the height of 10 safekids news June 2014 Issue No 65 148cm should be seated in an appropriate child restraint. The specific type of child restraint you need to use depends on the age and size of the child. “The display was a great way to engage staff around the issue of child restraints, as it is an important issue for South Auckland. The display went up on World Safety Day (28th April) and we had a great response with staff taking home many of the information sheets provided by Plunket and Auckland Transport” said Michael Kane, Factory Manager. Safekids Aotearoa has a series of safety resources, including 148cm height charts and flyers, to help promote child passenger safety messages. To order resources, download the order form from our website www.safekids.org.nz/index.php/page/ Campaign_Tools THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Community events Howick: Road Safety Week Promotes Booster Seats Our Lady Star of the Sea School celebrated Road Safety Week in May, and at the top of their agenda is promoting the new child restraint law and international best practise in keeping kids safe in cars. It’s a law in NZ for children to use child restraints until they are 7 years old. It’s also internationally recognised that school aged children are safer in booster seats until they are 148cm tall. “To raise awareness, we had the Safekids height block display that says ‘Your kids might seem old enough, but are they tall enough to be out of booster seats?’. We also gave out 148cm height charts to students to take home” said Peta Lindstrom, Star of the Sea School Associate Principal. “The Student Travelwise group also organized other Travelwise activities during the week, including a scooter safety course during lunchtimes, and creating road safety slogans for our Walking School Bus reflector jackets. “Another highlight was Funky Feet Friday, when all students were encouraged to create a pair of Funky Feet Shoes and join the school's two walking school buses. It was a great road safety week for everyone,” Peta added. Hawera: Driveway Kits Bring the ‘Shock’ Factor Roadsafe Taranaki supported Plunket and Hawera Play Centre at their annual Kid’s Day at King Edward Park in Hawera, taking with them the Safekids Aotearoa Driveway Run Over Safety Kit to educate parents and whanau on the risks posed by vehicles in driveways to children. “We asked the children to stand or sit along the mat which was behind the vehicle, and their older siblings, parents and grandparents to sit in the driver’s seat. They looked for their children by using the mirrors or looking back, and were astonished by what they couldn’t see,” said Marion Webby, Road Safety Coordinator at Roadsafe Taranaki “One mum asked each of her six children to pick a number on the driveway mat, and was shocked by how far she couldn’t see from the driver’s seat. The Safekids Driveway Safety Kit is fantastic and should be used at community events as much as possible,” she added. There are Driveway Safety Kits available to community groups across the country. For locations and contact details, visit www.safekids.org.nz/index.php/page/driveway-run-over-kitlocations Okahu Bay: Emergency Services Day Promotes Driveway Safety PORSE In Home Childcare held their ‘Emergency Services Day’ down at Okahu Bay and had the Fire Service, NZ Police and their police dogs, the ambulance and Eagle helicopter service in attendance. Safekids Aotearoa’s Driveway Safety Kit was also on display. “We invited educators, families and members of the public to attend. The driveway kit was set up behind one of our cars and we encouraged the adults to sit in the driver’s seat to see if they could see the children standing behind the car. Everyone who participated was surprised at what they could not see,” said Caroline McKeown of Porse. “It’s also great to hear that some of the people who had seen the kit 2 years ago say that the activity definitely made them more aware of moving their vehicles in driveways, car parks and the like. Thank you so much for letting us use this, we will be keen to access it again in the future,” Caroline added. If you would like to borrow a Driveway Safety Kit to use at your next community event, visit: www.safekids.org.nz/index.php/page/driveway-run-over-kitlocations safekids news June 2014 Issue No 65 11 INFO CENTRE UPDATE: KidsInfo Bulletin & SafetyLit Stay Up-To-Date with Injury Prevention Info and Research How do you stay up to date with injury prevention information and research? Filtering the many information channels we have access to can be time consuming and labour intensive. Safekids Aotearoa Information and Resource Centre offers two free services that might help you: KidsInfo Bulletin Our Information Specialist is on the constant lookout for new information and research on topics related to unintentional injury in children between the ages of 0 to 14. We collate and share this information in our bimonthly KidsInfo Bulletin. The bulletin’s contents are mainly New Zealand published articles and reports, but some overseas content is included too. The KidsInfo Bulletin is on the Safekids website under “Information and Resource Centre” and we email it to subscribers every two months. SafetyLit Another service we offer is filtering SafetyLit for child injury prevention related content. SafetyLit is a free service from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and contains references to new academic research and information about safety – all aspects and all age groups. We scan and filter the contents for items on topics relevant to Safekids’ work. If you would like to subscribe to these services, please contact Helena Westwick, Information Specialist at [email protected]. Do you have question relating to child injury prevention? Are you a researcher, injury prevention worker, health professional, educator, transport planner or just interested in child injury prevention? Maybe you are looking for facts and figures, starting some research, planning child safety interventions or running training sessions? The Safekids Aotearoa Information and Resource Centre is a professional library service with a collection of national and international material collected since 1993. We aim to promote and assist child injury-prevention work throughout New Zealand by providing: • Information about any area of unintentional child injury and its prevention. • Resource material about planning interventions, education, training sessions and campaigns. • Child injury issues, trends and emerging issues. Safekids Information and Resource Centre is here to help answer your queries and undertake literature searches for you. Contact Helena Westwick, Information Specialist at [email protected]. WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have ideas, comments or suggestions that you would like to share regarding this edition of Safekids News, you can contact the editor at: Safekids Aotearoa 5th Floor, Cornwall Complex 40 Claude Road, Epsom Auckland 1023 PO Box 26488, Epsom, Auckland 1344 New Zealand P+64 9 630 6655 F+64 9 630 9961 [email protected] www.safekids.org.nz Safekids Aotearoa’s mission is to reduce the incidence and severity of unintentional injuries to children in new Zealand ages 0-14 years. 12 safekids news June 2014 Issue No 65
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