According to Safe Kids Worldwide falls are the leading cause of non-fatal, unintentional injuries and emergency room visits for children younger than 15. Each year in the United States, there are more than 120 fall-related deaths and 2.5 million emergency room visits among this age group. Children less than 5 years old account for more than 50% of both categories.

The majority of fall-related injuries in children ages 0 to 5 years occur at home, most often due to a lack of appropriate supervision. This includes leaving an infant on a changing table or other surface for "just a minute," or allowing a toddler to play in a room with non-secured windows or to be on a balcony with ineffective railing protection. Many infants injured in falls are in the same room as their caregiver.

• Most infant falls are from furniture, stairs, or walkers (older walkers can pose multiple risks of injury).
• Most toddler falls are from windows and balconies.
• Most falls involving older children are from bikes, skateboards, scooters, and playground equipment.
• Twice as many fall-related injuries in children aged 5 to 14 years occur at home versus school.

More facts about falls:

Seventy percent of pediatric falls, in the United States including Washington State; occur between noon and early evening during warm weather. Most falls from windows involve male children younger than 5 years old, and commonly occur in low-income, high-occupancy, multi-family housing.

Children living in apartment buildings are more likely to fall from windows than those living in single-family dwellings.

Railing bars spaced just five inches apart can allow small children to slip through.

Child Fall Prevention Tips

Proper supervision is essential:

• NEVER leave children unattended on changing tables, beds, sofas, etc.
• Strap children into highchairs, swings, strollers, etc.
• Don't let children play unattended on balconies, porches, and/or fire escapes.
• Don't let children play near windows or patio doors.

Don't create your own hazards:

• Avoid use of baby walkers on wheels; all baby walkers should meet current ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards.
• Use safety gates at tops and bottoms of stairs if infants or toddlers are in the home; gates should meet ASTM standards.
• Move furniture away from windows and draperies.
• Remember, window screens are intended to keep bugs out, not kids in. Install window guards where needed. Use window guards that meet current ASTM standards for emergency exiting.
• Use slip-resistant mats or stickers in bathtubs.

Clark County Fire & Rescue is dedicated to tackling one of the largest preventable causes of emergency medical calls - falls.

Did you know?
Falls are the leading cause of injury and the fourth leading cause of accidental death in Clark County - 50%-70% of falls are due to home hazards that can be mitigated.

Factors that increase your risk of falling:

• You are over the age of 65
• You take medication to help you sleep or calm your nerves
• You take more than four medications per day
• You have problems with balance or difficulty walking
• You have a difficult time getting in or out of the bathtub unassisted
• You've slipped, tripped or fallen within the last 12 months

"Fall-proof" yourself:

• Have your vision checked annually. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition that limits vision and increases the chance of falling.
• Review all medicines you take, including over the counter medicines, with your doctor or pharmacist. As we age, the way some medicines work may change. Some combinations can cause drowsiness which increases the likelihood of falling.
• Be cautious of how much alcohol you consume. Even a small amount can affect your coordination and reaction time.
• Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling. Ask your doctor to help you plan an exercise program that will improve your strength and flexibility.

"Fall-proof" your home:

In your stairways and living areas

• Ensure that there are tightly fastened handrails on both sides of all stairways.
• Keep stairs and walking areas free of clutter.
• Attach non-slip backing to all rugs.
• Make sure lighting is sufficient along indoor and outdoor walkways, particularly around steps.
• Arrange furniture to allow for wide, clear aisles for walking.
• Use couches and chairs that are high enough to get into and out of easily.
• Ensure that phone and electrical cords are not located in a path of travel.
• Make sure you can reach a light switch and a phone from your bed.

In the bathroom

• Have grab bars securely installed in all tub and toilet areas.
• Ensure that tubs and showers have non-skid mats or other non-slip surfaces.

In the kitchen

• Store frequently used items in cupboards and cabinets that are easy to reach.
• Use sturdy step stools or ladders to reach high places. Never stand on chairs, counters, tables, or boxes.
• If you spill something on the floor, wipe it up immediately.

More help may be available

If you need additional information and/or assistance related to accessibility modifications please contact Clark County Fire & Rescue at 360-887-4609.