A look at how a playground may pose Fatal Injuries to children.

A look at how a good playground offers more than just fun and games

We associate playgrounds with fun, games and exercises. However, danger lurks in playgrounds. Parents of young children should be on the look out to avoid injuries that would otherwise be avoided if proper care is undertaken.

It’s always entertaining and a thrill for your child to go play on the playground. According to the emergency medicine physicians’ group, litter, rusty inadequately maintained equipment and bars. Automatically make the playground dangerous place for the children.

Permanent disability

Shocking statistics from the US Center for Disease Prevention and control indicate that more than 200,000 children receive emergency treatment each year from playground-related accidents. These figures portray a rapid surge in recent years compared to previous years.

A Further devastating analysis shows that approximately 20,000 of these injuries are head related injuries including concussions and traumatic brain injury. Children also develop internal bleeding or break limbs as a result of these accidents.

In South Africa the trend is similar. Many children are permanently maimed with more than 10 deaths reported every day. A substantial number of accidents tend to happen in schools. Approximately 20% of the reported cases in the Trauma Unit at the Red Cross Children's Hospitals happen in school.

Avoid playtime injuries

According to the president of The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP); Dr Rebecca Parker “Many of these accidents are preventable if parents practice more care and educate their children on the reason why they should obey safety rules.” Talking during a news release from ACEP. Whereas we encourage children to play outside we also need to ensure that their safety is a priority and keep them as safe as possible.

Research shows that 75% of the injuries happen in public places. Mostly in schools or daycares. The emergency medicine physicians’ advise the parents; babysitters and other guardians to practice the following measures which can help keep the young ones safe when out on the playgrounds.

Keep an eye on the children: You should pay attention to the children’s activities. Older kids should also be monitored to ensure their safety.

•    Carefully examine the equipment. Before the child starts to play ensure that the equipment is well maintained, there is enough cushioning in case they fall and also be on the lookout for broken bottles and other litter that is potentially harmful.

•    Safety gear. Mouth guards and shin guards are some of the appropriate wear that children should have when participating in sports activities. It’s important to teach them the importance of such equipment.

•    Avoid large Crowds. You should be in a position that allows you to clearly see the children as they play. If the playground happens to be busy, there is always another time.

•    Consider age. Younger children should play with age appropriate equipment. Children should play with playground equipment that falls in their age bracket.

•    Avoid playing with hoods and strings. Strings present tripping and choking hazards. Hoods, on the other hand, can block the side view.

•    Follow the playground safety rules. Children should adhere to the safety rules. They should avoid running, pushing or shoving other kids. Teach the children about basic surrounding safety rules such as using the ladder instead of climbing using the slide, avoid walking in front of swings.