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National Trauma Awareness Month 2021 Resources - Home and Remote Work Life

 

 
"Safe and Secure: Safety is a choice, prevention is key"

Work & Transportation | Outdoors & Recreation|Self-Care

 

The ATS reminds our members that with the current COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing is strongly encouraged. NTAM promotions and educational events should be conducted through social media and virtually. In-person events should not be held until further notice.

  

You can download the National Trauma Awareness Month logo to use here.

 

Trauma Awareness red ribbons are available through TCAA


Social Media Resources available here


Trauma Awareness Month Press Release - Coming Soon!

  

COVID –19 has led to a shift in home and work life. Many locations had shelter-in-place orders, parents and caregivers are now working from home, have reduced hours or have lost their jobs. With this change we have experienced an increased prevalence of injuries around the home and cases of domestic abuse.

Abuse

 

Being isolated away from a safe support system may allow for the increased prevalence of abuse or neglect: actions or failures to act which lead to physical or emotional harm, exploitation, or death.  Abuse or neglect may be directed towards domestic partners, children, elderly, etc.  If you are aware of an abusive situation, speak up!  "An abuser's best friend is silence:  the silent fear of the victim and the silence of those who could report" (childhelp.org).

 

  • Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline:  1-800-4-A-CHILD (422-4453)
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline:  1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  • Eldercare Locator:  1-800-677-1116
  • If someone is in immediate, life-threatening danger dial 9-1-1
  • "Signal for Help"

 

References:


Firearm Storage and Safety (including BB/Pellet guns)


More than 80,000 people are injured every year in the U.S. from guns, and 38,000 of those injuries result in death.  More than two-thirds of these firearm-related deaths are due to suicide. Being isolated from a support system may increase feelings of hopelessness and increase the risk of suicide.  Children attending virtual school at home will have greater opportunity to have access to firearms.  Many firearm injuries can be prevented by improving firearm handling, safe storage, and keeping guns away from those at risk to harm themselves.

 

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  1-800-273-8255

 

References


Burns


The top 5 causes of home fires are cooking (specifically unattended cooking), heating equipment, electrical hazards, smoking, and candles.

 

References:


Poisonings

 

Poison can be found anywhere in the home, bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, garage. Medication being the leading cause of poisoning. Did you know that the most likely place your children could be poisoned is from grandma’s purse? Poisoning is a big risk factor especially for toddlers and preschoolers. Toddlers are especially at risk since everything goes in their mouths as they explore their world. Exploring little hands find pills that are confused for candy. Button batteries look like coins. Even outside some plants, berries or flowers could be poisonous.  Never store cleaning fluids, or any toxic liquids in containers that look like food such as soda cans or bottles, old juice containers. What should you do in case of a poison emergency? Your first step should be to dial 1-800-222-1222 for your local Poison Control Center.     

 

References:

 

SafeKids:

 

National Poison Control


Drownings 

Water is a source of fun for all ages. It is imperative around any body of water to practice safe behaviors. If you are a parent/guardian know that there is no substitute for constant, unrelenting supervision of children regardless of age or experience. From bathtubs to pools, open water, be it a creek, river, lake or ocean, activities and cautions must be the same for everyone, every time. Never leave children unattended, never swim alone, use PFDs (personal floatation devices), know how to perform CPR. 

 

References:


Falls/Trip Hazards

 

Pediatric

 

Falling is a normal part of the way a child develops – learning to walk, climb, run, jump and explore the physical environment. Fortunately, most falls are of little consequence and most children fall many times in their lives without sustaining much more than a few cuts and bruises. But some falls go beyond the resilience of a child’s body, making them the fourth largest cause of unintentional injury death for children. Non-fatal falls also represent a significant burden on health care facilities around the world. The frequency of non-fatal falls, health-care costs, and the significant risk of death (particularly as a result of head injuries) demand that the prevention of fall-related injuries becomes a vital focus of child safety efforts worldwide.  It is estimated that more than 2.2 million children ages 14 and under are treated annually at hospital emergency rooms for fall-related injuries.  Reports show falls kill over 100 children ages 14 and under every year.  Another 4,000+ children ages 10 and under require treatment each year for window fall-related injuries. More than half of fall-related injuries among children occur among ages 4 and under.  (World Health Organization)

 

References:


Falls


Each year, 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for falls, with over 800,000 requiring hospitalization.  Social distancing measures, while vital to prevent the spread of COVID-19, may have adverse side effects for older adults.  Lack of physical exercise, increased weight gain, loneliness, and Vitamin D deficiency may all increase risk for falling.  It is essential for family and friends to keep in regular contact (virtually when recommended by CDC or local and state health departments) for increased morale, and for education to be provided to older adults and caregivers to help prevent falls.

 

References:


Disaster Preparedness


Are you ready if a disaster strikes? The frequency of natural disasters is rising as are man-made disasters. Are you and your family prepared? Do you have a disaster supply kit at your house and in your car? Do you have a family communication plan? What about supplies for pets and elderly family members? Families with members who have special healthcare needs are especially vulnerable.

Resources:

 

General

 

 

American Academy of Pediatrics

 

American College of Emergency Physicians

 

American Red Cross

 

Department of Homeland Security & Disaster Preparedness

 


Animal Safety: 

 

Animal bites pose a major public health problem in children and adults worldwide. The health impacts of animal bites are dependent on the type and health of the animal species, the size and health of the bitten person, and accessibility to appropriate health care.  Numerous animal species have the potential to bite humans; however, the most important are those arising from snakes, dogs, and cats. Dog bites account for tens of millions of injuries annually; the highest risk is among children.  Children make up the largest percentage of people bitten by dogs, with the highest incidence in mid-to-late childhood. The risk of injury to the head and neck is greater in children than in adults, adding to increased severity, necessity for medical treatment and death rates. Communities – especially children – should be informed about the risks of dog bites and prevention techniques such as avoiding stray dogs and never leaving a child unattended around any dog. (World Health Organization)

 

Most animal bites are caused by dogs (85 to 90 %), with the remainder caused by cats (5 to 10 %) and rodents (2 to 3 %). Children are bitten more often than adults. Skin infection is the most common complication, while most feared complication of an animal bite is rabies. Animal bites can result when an animal is provoked. Provoked bites may occur trying to remove food while a dog/cat is eating. Bites can also happen if teasing the family pet or stray animal. However, in many cases animal bites are unprovoked. Unprovoked bites can occur in the backyard. Sometimes a raccoon, squirrel may attack for no obvious reason. If this occurs, the attacking animal is likely seriously ill. Seek medical attention.  

 

Resources:

 
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