Injury Prevention More children ages 5 to 14 go to U.S. hospital emergency rooms for injures associated with bicycling than any other sport. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children of every age from 5 to 18 years old. Falls are a leading cause of hospitalization for seniors. Cottage's injury prevention services focus on identifying the primary causes of injury both on an individual and community levels, with a programmatic approach to minimizing further risk.   A dedicated injury prevention nurse coordinator, who is part of the Trauma Services team, focuses on injury prevention, and coordinates a variety of community education programs, including:		Injury Prevention Services:   •  Helmet Safety   •  Fall Prevention   Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Trauma Center     Related Topics Trauma Faculty Trauma Facts & Figures Trauma FAQs Trauma Research
bicycle and helmet safety child car seat safety inspection alcohol and drug abuse prevention, fall prevention ergonomic (workplace) evaluation postural retraining body mechanics instruction for bending and lifting pre- and post-natal exercise fitness and home exercise programs We report admissions and outcomes to the county as well as national databases, with a goal toward community education and injury prevention.

Helmet Safety According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year hospital emergency departments treat approximately 26,000 people suffering from skateboard related injuries. Sprains, fractures, contusions and abrasions are the most common types of injuries. Six out of every 10 skateboard injuries are to children under 15 years of age.   The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute states that a bicycle helmet reduces the risk of serious head and brain injury by 85%. In 2003, California expanded its bicycle helmet law—to require that children under age 18 wear helmets each time they use a skateboard, inline skates, roller skates or scooter—making the state’s child helmet law the strictest in the nation. In choosing a proper helmet, the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (www.helmets.org) recommends looking for one that is certified by the manufacturers to meet both the CPSC bicycle helmet standard and the ASTM F1492 Skateboard helmet standard. For skateboard use look for the ASTM F1492 sticker inside the helmet if it is a “skate” helmet in addition to any CPSC sticker it may have. The sticker must be in the helmet for the safety certification to be valid.   A loose helmet cannot protect the head as well as one that is properly fit. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says that a properly fitting helmet:
Is worn flat on your head with the bottom edge parallel to the ground Sits low on your forehead Has side straps that form a “V” shape around each ear Has a buckle that fastens tightly (there should be room to put only two fingers between the strap and your chin) Has pads inside that you install or remove so the helmet fits snugly Does not move in any direction when you shake your head Does not interfere with your movement, vision or hearing
Replace your helmet when it is damaged, outgrown or at least every five years. You may need to replace it sooner if the manufacturer recommends it.
Fall Prevention:   Four things you can do to prevent falls Falls are the most common cause of injury in elderly persons, accounting for 84 % of all hip fractures. Falls were also the second-leading cause of unintentional-injury deaths during 1996, numbering 14,100 (National Safety Council's Accident Facts). More than half occur at home and nearly four out of five involve a person 65 years of age or older.   Falls are not just the result of getting older. Many falls can be prevented. Falls are usually caused by a number of things. By changing some of these things, you can lower your chances of falling. You can reduce your chances of falling by doing these things:   1. Begin a regular exercise program Exercise is one of the most important ways to reduce your chances of falling. It makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Exercises that improve balance and coordination (like Tai Chi) are the most helpful.
Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling. Ask your doctor or health care worker about the best type of exercise program for you. 2. Make your home safer About half of all falls happen at home. To make your home safer
Remove things you can trip over (such as papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk. Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping. Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool. Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and the tub or shower. Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors. Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Lampshades or frosted bulbs can reduce glare. Have handrails and lights put in all staircases. Wear shoes that give good support and have non-slip soles. Avoid wearing slippers and shoes with deep treads. 3. Have your healthcare provider review your medicines
Have your doctor or pharmacist look at all the medicines you take (including ones that don't need prescriptions such as cold medicines). As you get older, the way some medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you drowsy or light-headed, which can lead to a fall. 4. Have your vision checked
Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition such as glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.< The Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Department of Trauma Services, in collaboration with Santa Barbara County Emergency Medical Services, local physicians, and allied providers of care, are committed to decreasing the frequency and severity of fall injuries in our community. If you have questions about this fall prevention program, please call us.
To learn more about Cottage's injury prevention programs, call (805) 569-7575.   For additional information on injury prevention, contact: The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention, at  http://www.cdc.gov/injury

 Aug11