The American College of Emergency Physicians recommends that you always put safety first. Start by hazard-proofing your home and always keep a first-aid kit handy. Keep up-to-date medical records for everyone in the family, and sign up for MedicAlert today. By taking a few simple steps to safeguard your environment, you can help prevent many common and avoidable injuries.

Safety at Home

Approximately 4.5 million children are injured by hazards in the home each year. Unintentional injury deaths among children ages 14 and under have declined dramatically thanks in part to advances in emergency medicine. However, the most influential factor in childhood safety is parental guidance and supervision.  Parents should teach their children about safety at home, at school, on the playground and while traveling. Additionally, parents and other caregivers should learn to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of serious childhood injuries and illnesses and become proficient at life-saving techniques, such as the Heimlich maneuver and CPR.

Home First Aid Kit

The American College of Emergency Physicians recommends that every home have a first aid kit to help respond to minor and some serious medical emergencies. Preventing emergencies is the best way to keep your family healthy and safe, and always call 911 if you have a medical emergency. Every first aid kit should include a first aid manual, a list of emergency phone numbers, medical consent forms and medical history forms for each family member, over-the-counter medications, bandages and other injury/wound care supplies and other supplies as needed.

Safety at School

More than 200,000 children are injured on school playgrounds each year. Additionally, 135,000 children ages five to eighteen visit the emergency department annually for school and sport related injuries. The American College of Emergency Physicians recommend that parents should organize their child's medical history records and emergency medical contact information before the school year starts. Additionally, schedule medical and dental check-ups before school starts and develop a family emergency plan in case something happens on the way or while at school.