PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS
IN CHILDREN
Ms. Devangi Sharma N
F.Y M.Sc(N)
CHILDREN ARE VULNERABLE TO INJURY
Natural curiosity
Investigative, Impulsive, Impatient
Less careful,hyperactive
Drive to test on new master skills
Attempted activities before developmental
readiness
Self-assertion and challenges to rules
Desire for peer approval
DEFINATION
WHO defined…
An accident is an event,
independent of human will
caused by outside force
acting rapidly and
resulting in physical or
mental injury.
Contd…
Accident is defined an unexpected
, unplanned occurrence which may
involve injury.
Unpremeditated event resulting in
recognizable damage.
Occurrence in sequence of events
which usually produces uninteded
injury, death or property damage.
INJURY
It is an
intentional/unintentional
damage to body due to
exposure to an external
agent which can be thermal,
mechanical, electrical, or
chemical energy or agent.
CHILDREN ARE AT GREATER RISK
Children live in a world built for adults: strong association
between injuries
his age, developmental stage
his interactions and activities with/in the world
lack of supervision, access to protective materials
Simply reproducing injury strategies for adults may not be
effective for children
World becomes dangerous for them: cleaning chemicals, outlets,
ovens, sharp corners, kerosene lamps, bodies of water, traffic,
etc.
CHILDHOOD ACCIDENTS
Leading cause of death and disability in 30%
children and young adults
25%
SIDS
More than 5 million deaths per year 20%
Congenital anomaly
worldwide
Infecton
15%
Neoplasms
Lack of global attention to childhood 10% Accidents
injuries
5%
Leading cause of death in children over 0%
1 year < 1 year 1 - 4 years > 5 years
INCIDENCE
TYPES OF
ACCIDENTS
COMMON ACCIDENTAL INJURY
AND ITS PREVENTION IN
DIFFERENT AGE GROUP
Cuts Falls
INFANTS Suffocation
Ingestion
Burns
PREVENTION
Contd…
Never leave an infant alone on cot/table/ any
unprotected place to prevent fall.
Never give very small things to child.
Toys should not have removable small parts
which can be aspirated or put into ear or nose.
Never feed solids which are difficult to swallow
/chew.
Contd…
Coins .buttons. beads,marbles must not be left
within child’s reach.
Keep the stove or fire source and hot things far
away from child.
Electrical appliances should be kept out of reach.
Never leave the infant near water tub or pond
and never go out alone.
Thermal
Falling
Avoid
Negative
Words
Contd…
Give proper directions for certain activity.
Keep constant supervision.
Keep harmful substances like hot things, drugs,
poisons,kerosene oils. electrical appliances,sharp
objects etc. out of child’s reach.
Give adequate instructions to the care taker to
look after the child and follow proper precautions.
provide safe playmaterials.
Floor should not be slippery.
Contd…
Furniture should be placed firmly to prevent
falls.
Child should not be allowed to play with cord,
plastic bags or pillow to avoid suffocation.
Electric switch shoul be out of child’s reach.
Road Traffic
Accident
Instrument
Injury
Electric current
Constant
Training Supervision
Guidance
PREVENTION
Education
Contd…
Teach for safety precautions with fire,electricity,sharp
materials etc.
Teach the child for swimming.
Encourage the playing in safe places to and keep a keen
supervision.
Discourage the children flying kite from open roofs and
terrace.
Teach the child for the road safety and zebra crossing and
traffic rules.
Never leave the child alone in a car with the ‘keys’.
NURSES ROLE Fore
Thought
Time
Discipline
Forethought –The anticipation of
possible risk of accidents to the child.
Time- Sufficient time should be given on
the child to keep a keen supervision.
Discipline- Should be maintained at home
to prevent accidental hazards.
NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
Health Education
Provision of safe enviorment
Safe child care and prevent the accidental hazards
Assist in medical care to prevent the disability
Take public health measures to prevent road traffic
accidents: teach traffic rules,implement policies etc.
Participate in policy making nd research activities in
e accident prevention.
THANK
YOU
