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More Than 200,000 Kids Treated in Emergency Departments for Playground Injuries Each Year

Jul 13, 2018 • by American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division
Playground Safety

Mechanicsburg, Pa. – As the weather gets warmer and school is out for summer, children will hit the playground for summer fun. The American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division (ATSPA) reminds parents to actively supervise their children when playing on a playground.

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, more than 270,000 kids are treated in emergency departments each year for injuries that occur on the playground. 75 percent of these injuries are due to falls and most fatalities are caused by strangulation.

ATSPA CEO Krista Brands stated, “Playgrounds can be a great way for children to get exercise and spend time outside. However, lack of or improper supervision is associated with approximately 45 percent of playground-related injuries. Caregivers need to ensure that they are always attentive to children while they’re playing.”

The ATSPA reminds caregivers of the following playground safety tips:

1. Dress appropriately for the playground. Remove necklaces, purses, scarves or clothing with drawstrings that can get caught on equipment and pose a strangulation hazard. Helmets should not be worn on playgrounds.

2. Ensure playing surface has appropriate materials. The play area should have sand, pea gavel, wood chips, shredded rubber, turf, or rubber surfacing that meets the depth requirements.

3. Supervise children. An attentive adult should always be present at the playground when children are playing.

4. Ensure the child is on age-appropriate equipment. There should be an area for infants and toddlers, preschoolers, and school age children. Be sure the child is playing on the proper equipment.

For more playground safety tips, please contact the ATSPA at 717-766-1616.

The American Trauma Society, PA Division (ATSPA) is a non-profit trauma prevention education organization dedicated to reducing suffering, disability and death due to trauma. The ATSPA strives to help all Pennsylvanians survive and lead healthier lives through its trauma prevention education programs. For information, call 717-766-1616 and visit www.atspa.org.

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