Client: Announcements
Date: May 17, 2012

As the weather warms up, so does the potential of young children falling out of windows without proper security locks. Already, three toddlers have fallen through open windows since April.

In advance of the May long-weekend, BC Children’s Hospital and BC Ambulance Service are asking parents to make sure their homes are secure.

“Falls from windows seem to be increasing in frequency. Last year we saw about 10 seriously injured children, compared to three to five per year in past years,”says Dr. Ash Singhal, medical director, BC Children’s Hospital Trauma Program.“Falls are more common in younger children between one and six years of age, and seem to occur more frequently in the spring and summer.Many of the injuries can be quite severe, requiring surgery and causing potentially long term effects for the child.”

Falls from windows often occur at a child’s home, most commonly in the afternoon when windows are open or not fully secured as the family is home.

Paramedics see the critical injuries that result from falls from windows, from broken bones to facial and head trauma. “The best advice we can provide to caregivers is to ensure you have the right safety locks on windows and doors, especially if you have young children,” says BC Ambulance Service Superintendent Julien Ponsioen.

While it might be tempting to leave a window open a crack to let in some fresh air as the weather warms up, remember that young children are innately curious and natural climbers and may not understand the risk of their actions. They can be strong enough to widen an unlocked window enough to fall out of it.

For More Information
PSA: Warm Weather Increases Risk of Falls from Windows