3.1.8 Safety measures for children NSCH

Study Unit 3: Care of Children in the Community
3.1.8 Safety Measures for Children

Compiled by: Mrs. Anna-Therese Swart

Safety Measures for Children
  • Source Material: Vasuthevan & Mthembu, 2016, Chapter 12, Pages 201-214.
  • Additional Reading: Clark, 2015, Chapter 16.
Learning Outcomes

After engaging with the material and activities, students should be able to:

  • Describe different types of home accidents frequently experienced by children.
  • Explain preventative measures that can be taken to minimize these accidents.
Outline of Presentation
  1. Types of Home Accidents:
    • Falls
    • Burns
    • Poisoning
    • Drowning
    • Choking
    • Suffocation
    • Objects in Ear, Nose, and Eye
1. Different Types of Home Accidents
1.1 Falls

  • Causes of Falls:

    • Leading cause of hospitalization for children and elderly.
    • Examples:
      • Poor vision
      • Unsteady gait
      • Dizziness
      • Physical surroundings (e.g., playground hazards).
    • Sources: Department of Health (DOH) 2000; Clark 2015.

  • Prevention of Falls:

    • Floor Safety Tips:
      • Clean spills immediately.
      • Remove obstacles (shoes, toys).
      • Repair uneven surfaces.
      • Secure electrical wires.
    • Stair Safety Tips:
      • Ensure good lighting.
      • Install handrails.
      • Repair worn-out stairs.
    • Child Safety Measures:
      • Never leave children unattended on elevated surfaces.
      • Use safety equipment for toddlers and preschoolers.
      • Supervise school-age children adequately.
1.2 Burns

  • Causes of Burns:

    • Most fatal burns occur in homes.
    • Examples of risk factors include smoking near flammable materials and cooking with open flames.

  • Prevention of Burns:

    • Educate about fire safety.
    • Properly store matches and flammable materials.
    • Use non-slip mats and proper kitchen safety protocols.
    • Implement safe practices with cooking items and appliances.
1.3 Poisoning

  • Causes of Poisoning:

    • Peaks in children aged 1-4 due to ingesting medicines and household products.
    • The elderly are susceptible to medication mismanagement and carbon monoxide.

  • Prevention of Poisoning:

    • Keep poisonous items locked away.
    • Educate children about safe eating habits.
    • Ensure proper labeling and storage of harmful substances.
1.4 Drowning

  • Causes of Drowning:

    • Common in open water bodies and pools, often influenced by alcohol use.

  • Prevention of Drowning:

    • Teach children water safety and swimming skills.
    • Supervise children closely around water.
    • Install barriers around pools and avoid leaving infants unattended in baths.
1.5 Choking

  • Causes of Choking:

    • Occurs when children place small objects in their mouths.

  • Prevention of Choking:

    • Avoid giving small foods to young children.
    • Supervise children around small toy parts.
    • Educate older children about not sharing small foods with younger siblings.
1.6 Suffocation

  • Causes of Suffocation:

    • Occurs from improper sleep practices and toys.

  • Prevention of Suffocation:

    • Avoid using plastic bags and ensure safe sleeping conditions for infants.
    • Remove any hazardous cords or materials from the sleeping area.
1.7 Objects in Ear, Nose, and Eye

  • Causes of Insertion:

    • Common in children playing with small objects.

  • Prevention of Insertion:

    • Avoid giving children foods and toys with small parts.
    • Educate about safe play practices and supervise them during playtime.
Summary
  • Home Accidents and Prevention:
    • Falls, burns, poisoning, drowning, choking, suffocation, and objects in the body are crucial areas to address in child safety.
    • Each category has unique causes and prevention strategies that must be understood and implemented by caregivers.
Assessment
  • Describe different types of home accidents for children.
  • Explain preventative measures for these accidents.
References
  • Clark, M.J. (2015). Population and Community Health Nursing. 6th ed. New Jersey: Pearson Education.
  • Vasuthevan, S. & Mthembu, S. (2016). De Haan’s Health of Southern Africa. 11th ed. Cape Town: Juta & Company.
Thank You!