From Dr Ian Maconochie, CAPT Trustee and A&E Paediatric Consultant

I see the results of accidents on a daily basis. I don’t mean the accidental bumps and knocks of life - they are what help children to learn and grow. But tragic accidents do happen, many of which could be prevented. Some children and young people are disfigured for life or permanently disabled and the psychological trauma takes its toll on parents as well as children.

My top five tips for accident prevention are:

1. Keep talking to children and parents. Children develop fast (and move around fast too!), it’s often difficult to keep up. This is why it’s important to keep reminding children and parents about the changing risks around them. Remember children don’t always understand the same terms adults do so use terms like ‘danger’ instead of ‘hazard’
2. Keep learning fun. Families and children learn best when they are involved and having fun. That’s why the competitions and quizzes in this booklet are so good for helping families to take in lots of information.
3. See the world as a child does. Nearly half of all accidents happen in the home. If you look after children or work with parents, spend some time going through the home and try to see it as a child does. Don’t be scared to get down on your hands and knees, you’ll be surprised what hazards you notice!
4. Keep it simple. It can feel hard to talk to some parents about safety messages without seeming critical. But if it helps them to prevent serious accidents it’s worth it. Keep the advice simple and make sure what you say is positive and something parents can act on. It means they are more likely to listen and less likely to feel criticised. Remember children who have had one accident are more likely to have another.
5. Keep children Safer, Together! Child Safety Week is a great way to make links with other professionals such as fire and road safety officers, with safety equipment schemes, and with organisations such as CAPT, all of whom have a wealth of knowledge that can support you.