Campaign to cut childhood accidents (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Campaign to cut childhood accidents

7:46am Thursday 26th June 2008 in Local Video By Will Kilner

A far-reaching strategy has been produced to slash unintentional injuries to the district’s children.

At present, Bradford youngsters are 20 per cent more likely to be admitted to hospital due to unintentional injury than the national average.

Figures outlined in the new Child Injury Prevention Strategy reveal that 299 children across the district spent more than three days in hospital between 2004 and 2007, while 30 children died from unintentional injuries during that period.

The strategy, complied by Bradford Safeguarding Children Board, says many of these injuries are preventable. It sets out a clear target for a five per cent reduction in the number of children killed or seriously injured due to all types of unintentional injury by 2011.

To mark the strategy’s launch, a mountain bike stunt show and coaching workshops were held at Odsal stadium yesterday to help children learn how to play safe.

About 300 primary school children took part in the event, which was supported by Bradford Council and Bradford Bulls as part of Child Safety Week.

Davina Hartley, the children’s accident prevention co-ordinator for Bradford Safeguarding Children Board (BSCB), said: “Accidents to children and young people are much higher in the Bradford district than the national average so we’re asking people to make changes that will make a difference to the number of accidents.

“Accident prevention is not about wrapping children up in cotton wool. It is important to allow children the freedom to play and explore.

“However, people need to be aware of the risks to children and how simple changes can reduce those risks.

“Falls are the most common cause of injury both inside and outside the home, but road traffic collisions cause the largest number of serious injuries and deaths. Burns and scalds, most often from hot drinks, and house fires add to the statistics.”

Paul Hill, also of BSCB, said “When we talk about falls involving children, we’re not talking about children falling over in the playground or even from the lowest branch of a tree. We’re looking at children in their old Victorian houses falling down stone steps from the top.”

Mr Hill said these incidents would be tackled through the delivery of home safety equipment, such as stair gates, to homes across the district in a scheme to be funded by the Government.

The launch event saw appearances from Bullman and Bullboy, the Bradford Bulls’ mascots, who delivered talks with a safety focus.

Emran Ahmed, a pupil at Springwood Community Primary School, in Manningham, was among the children who attended the event. The eight-year-old said: “I’ve really enjoyed the day and I’ve learned a lot.”

The strategy will bring together all agencies working across the district to reduce child injuries, including the fire service, Bradford Council’s road safety team, the Royal Lifesaving Society and Bradford and Airedale teaching PCT.