Atrium Health Navicent shares summer safety tips as injury-related ER visits rise
Atrium Health Navicent recommends surrounding swimming pools with a fence and designating one adult to actively supervise children in and around the water.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As summer activities increase across Middle Georgia, Atrium Health Navicent is encouraging families to take extra precautions to help prevent injuries.
“Injuries are the leading cause of actual death for folks all the way up to age 45,” said Kristal Smith, trauma injury prevention coordinator at Atrium Health Navicent.
Smith also said Atrium Health Navicent sees nearly a 20% increase in emergency room visits related to injuries during the summer months.
Robert Codding, with Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital, said it’s important to teach children situational awareness while spending time outdoors. Codding recommended reminding children to look both ways before crossing the street and to wear proper safety equipment when riding bicycles.
Drivers are also encouraged to remain alert during the summer, when more children are outside walking, biking and playing in neighborhoods.
Codding said wearing protective gear is especially important during times of reduced visibility, including the early morning and nighttime hours, when injury risks can increase.
Water safety was another focus of the discussion. Atrium Health Navicent recommends surrounding swimming pools with a fence and designating one adult to actively supervise children in and around the water.
As Independence Day approaches, officials are also reminding families to practice fireworks safety. Smith encouraged families to leave fireworks displays to trained professionals, understand safety precautions and keep children away from fireworks.
Codding also discussed ATV and four-wheeler safety. He recommended never operating an ATV under the influence of drugs or alcohol, wearing proper protective equipment and limiting children to being spectators rather than operators.
Smith said taking simple safety precautions can help reduce preventable injuries and keep families safe throughout the summer.
