NOT ALL CHILDREN BOUNCE!! HOW SAFE IS HOME? Dr Kathryn Edward Paediatric Rehabilitation Fellow The Children’s Hospital at Westmead

PAEDIATRIC TRAUMA Leading cause of death and disability in children aged years of age. Falls are a leading mechanism of injury. Cost to the health care system –$130 million annually –$28 million is related to hospital inpatient care.

THIS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM New York Study –‘Children Can’t Fly’ –Mandatory window guards led to a marked decrease in the incidence of children falling from windows. Boston –‘Kids Can’t Fly’ –Voluntary installation of window guards again led to a decrease in falls (not as much as with the New York campaign) Chicago –Most falls were from modest heights 2nd/3rd floor windows

SYDNEY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Identified children who had been admitted as a result of a fall from a window. Identify risk factors in order to look at prevention strategies.

RISK FACTORS IDENTIFIED Young age – particularly under the age of 5 years Warmer months – windows are open in summer Open windows Flyscreens – majority fell through a flyscreen Inappropriate furniture placement

FURNITURE PLACEMENT Children love to engage in exploratory play and often fail to identify potential hazards. Provides a platform for a child to climb onto or launch from. History of children bouncing on the bed or a sofa by the window.

CONCLUSIONS FALLS FROM WINDOWS ARE PREVENTABLE!!!!!!!!!!! Flyscreens are not physical barriers. Parents need to think about window safety, where furniture is placed and consider the use of a window lock. Building codes need to be reviewed.