Last Christmas I had the pleasure of spending the holidays with my family in Adelaide South Australia , and while it was a wonderful time for all of us, the festivities were marred by a tragic death that could have been avoided. Most of us were stretched out in the lounge, suffering too much food and wine after the festive turkey lunch when the picture of a pretty young girl flashed across the television screen. I could not help noticing that she bore a resemblance to my own daughter when she was a child. This girl was indeed also Indonesian and as I listened my heart sank as the reporter went on to tell of this girl’s fate.
“
7 year old Dewi (name changed for privacy purposes), was found face down in the swimming pool, and attempts to revive her by attending paramedics failed. Dewi and her family were visiting friends for a Christmas party at the time of the incident.”
The holiday season claims thousands of lives each year in incidents which could be avoided. The most common accidents affecting children are choking, fire, traffic accidents and drowning. The highest incidence of household injuries occurs at party times and during times of increased family activity when children can escape their parents’ watchful eyes. Here are some ways to avoid tragedy during this holiday season.
Toys and Gifts:
-When toy shopping, be aware that many toys that are banned or recalled overseas end up in the markets of countries like Indonesia where regulations are non existent. Use common sense when choosing toys for your child.
-Be sure that toys your child receives are appropriate for his or her age. Read the instructions and show your child how to use them properly.
-Don’t let very young children who still mouth objects play with toys meant for older siblings. Building blocks, crafts kits, board games with small playing pieces — anything with small objects could be accidentally swallowed and pose a choking hazard.
-Gift wrap, nuts, hard candy, and popcorn — even batteries from electronic toys — can be choking hazards. Plastic bags can cause suffocation.
-Make sure kids aren’t trying skate boards, scooters, bicycles, or other riding toys in streets where a car could hit them. Also, be sure they are supervised and wearing the right safety gear, including helmets.
Trees:
-If purchasing an artificial tree, look for a “Fire Resistant” label. This indicates that the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly, not that it will not burn. Use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory.
-Check lights (new or old) for broken wires or cracked sockets and throw out damaged sets.
-Use no more than three sets of standard-size lights per extension cord.
-Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree may become charged and may electrocute anyone who touches it.
-Before using lights outdoors, make sure they have been approved for outdoor use.
-Turn off all lights before you leave your home or go to bed. The lights could short and cause a fire.
-Keep lighted candles in sight; blow them out before bedtime.
-Avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable. Keep ornaments with small, removable parts or that resemble food out of children’s reach.
-If using artificial snow sprays, follow directions carefully to avoid lung irritation.
-Never use lighted candles on a tree; don’t place them near other evergreens. Use only non-flammable candle holders and place candles where they can’t be knocked down.
Party Safety:
-Keep a watchful eye on children when there’s a pool in the home. Visitors may forget to close pool gates. Children can wander in and easily drown. (3 minutes is all it takes!)
-Make sure you clean up after hosting a holiday party. If your child gets up during the night — or before you do the next morning — he could choke on leftover food or even drink leftover alcohol.
Wishing all our readers a VERY HAPPY and SAFE FESTIVE SEASON and ALL THE BEST FOR 2005!
“
Kim Patra is a qualified Registered Nurse and Midwife that has been living and working in Bali for almost twenty years. She now runs her own private practice and medical referral service from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any health concerns with you and she may be contacted via e-mail at info@chcbali.com”.
