Playgrounds are usually locations where children have fun and spend time with their friends and family. Unfortunately, this day of fun can end with a visit to the nearest emergency room.
According to the Center for Disease and Control and Prevention, each year, in the United States, emergency departments treat more than 200,000 children for playground related injuries.
The consequences of playground-related injuries are: fractures, internal injuries, concussions, dislocations and, in some cases, an injury can be fatal. Most of the non-fatal injuries are related to playground equipment at schools yards, public parks and daycare centers.
One of the ways to combat injury is to know that the equipment in a playground is designed for different age groups. Making sure that your child is playing on age appropriate equipment is one of the key measures for safe play. The rule is; if the equipment is less than four feet tall, it is suitable for children under 5 years of age. Equipment less than eight feet tall is suitable for children ages 5 through 12.
As a further measure of safety, you should never leave your child unsupervised while at a playground. Play areas should be designed to allow an adult to clearly see the child while they are playing.
Newer playgrounds are built with materials that absorb shocks from falls such as, wood chips, pea gravel, shredded tires, double shredded bark mulch, fine gravel or sand that completely covers the playground floor.
Be observant and check to see that the playground is well maintained, hooks are closed on swings and there are safety bars at the top of all slides so that children will have to sit before going down. Additionally, be mindful of your child’s attire when going to a playground. Hoods or drawstrings may get caught on play equipment.
Taking your child to the park or playground to play is probably one of the easiest, fun-packed, and inexpensive forms of family entertainment. It’s also a great excuse to enjoy some much-needed fresh air. By following these helpful tips, you can make your day of fun a safe one too!
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.