Common injuries in Childcare Centres

Common Injuries in Child Care Centres: Insights from Tony Coffey Paramedic, Co-Founder Survival Skills Vietnam https://survivalskills.vn/.

Childcare Centre Injuries

Childcare centres are essential environments for early childhood development, but these settings carry some risks, as injuries often happen. In a recent discussion, Tony Coffey Paramedic shared insights on the most common injuries he has attended in childcare facilities and highlights the need for preventive measures.

"The most common injuries in childcare centres are usually from falls, cuts, and collisions, while fatalities are often due to choking."

“Choking on food or small objects is very common in children as they often put objects in their mouths” Tony said, “and while children naturally have a good gag reflex to eject the object, if it becomes lodged in the airway, it can cause death”

 “Falls”, he notes, “are due to the high activity levels of young children. Areas such as playgrounds or even classrooms can contain many hazards. This is made worse by the fact that children often play vigorously, which increases the likelihood of losing balance or tripping over obstacles.”

In addition to falls, cuts are an injury of concern. "Supervision is key," Tony emphasises, “because minor accidents can escalate quickly in a busy Kindergarten. Sharp objects, such as scissors or broken toys, can pose a threat if not properly managed.  Maintaining an organised and safe play area is crucial in minimising the risk of these injuries.”

Collisions, whether with other children or stationary objects, also add to the injury list in childcare centres. Tony explains, "Children are naturally curious and often engage in rough play." This normal behaviour can lead to accidental injuries. Implementing structured playtime and clear rules can reduce the instances of collisions.”

To mitigate these common injuries, Tony stresses the need for comprehensive training programs for childcare providers. "Understanding basic first aid and safety protocols is essential," he states, “but also having the knowledge to identify hazards and reduce the risks of these hazards causing injuries, is mandatory in many Western countries, would also benefit Vietnamese childcare providers greatly.”

Tony emphasises the critical need for safety awareness and preventive measures. By encouraging a culture of observation and preparedness, Kindergartens and Care Centres could ensure that children enjoy safe experiences in these formative years, which also has the effect of the children learning this so their families and communities will benefit into the future.