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Many parents are not aware that their children are more likely to get hurt at home than in the playground.
 According to statistics from the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), 60 per cent of childhood injuries were sustained at home, while 10 per cent of the accidents happened in the playground. Road traffic accidents comprised about five to six percent, with most cases involving pedestrians and cyclists.
While most of the injuries were minor, there were some that caused permanent disabilities, and even death. In a study conducted at the hospital between 2002 and 2004, it found that out of every 700 children seen for injuries,60 required hospitalisation while one ended in death.
Dr Arif Tyebally, an associate consultant at the hospital’s Children’s Emergency department,says the most common injuries sustained are head injuries, fractures and open wounds caused mainly by falls. Last year, the department attended to some 22,500 children with various injuries.
Infants and toddlers often sufferminor head injuries in the form of haematomas after falling off their beds, he says.
 “Unless associated with significant impact or a high velocity cause, there is usually no bleedingwithin the skull and no associated skull fracture. Warning signs of significant injury include vomiting, drowsiness, lethargy, reduced level of activity or persistent inconsolable irritability,” says Dr Arif.
Preschoolers and school-going children are more likely to sustain upper and lower limb injuries as they develop the ability to climb, run and participate in casual or organised sports.
He says: “Of this age group, we see more males than females, especially with increasing age or levelof education.”
To prevent such injuries, DrSonal Singhal, a manager at the Health Promotion Board’s youth health division, says parents should ensure there is adult supervision of their children at all times.
She says: “They can take simple preventive measures like childproofing their homes and equipping themselves with the knowledge of safe play in water and playgrounds to maintain a safe, child-friendly environment for their little ones.”
She suggests that parents equip other caregivers of the child, such as the grandparents, nanny or domestic worker, with child safety tips.
 Dr Arif says: “Nothing can replace close and constant supervision of a child. An injury mayoccur in just a few seconds so it is important that parents do not become complacent and get distracted when they are looking after their children.
“The home is the most dangerous place where most injuries occur so appropriate care must be taken even at home.”
But he is also quick to point out that keeping children safe does not equate to giving them less freedom to play.
“A child learns through play and it is important for development. We just need to ensure that play is done within safety limits and under appropriate supervision. Parents need to ensure that their child’s play activities are suitable based on the child’s developmental age.”
Dr Singhal agrees. She says: “Children love to play and have fun. As a parent, you should give your child every opportunity to go out, explore and learn new games and sports, while making sure that he or she is safe.”
Adds Dr Arif: “Every year we see so many cases of injuries and some come with very sad stories resulting in the death or disability of the child.
“It is extremely painful to see injuries happening to children when we know that most of them could have been prevented.”
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