In the latest edition of Safekids News (March 2015):

- Celebrities, Communities Get Behind #FallsRuinTheFun

- The Cost of Falls: $45 Million a Year

- Starship Trauma Update: Summer Injury Admissions

- Q&A: Should Kids Ride Quad Bikes?

There’s probably nothing that’s more fun in summer than jumping on a trampoline in the backyard. It’s a great way to encourage kids to exercise and helps them to develop confidence, balance and coordination. 

Trampoline-related injuries are however a serious issue. “More than 300 children are hospitalised every year, mostly during the summer months. The most common were fractures (83%) and injuries to the head and lower limbs,” said Ann Weaver, Director of Safekids Aotearoa.

Safekids Aotearoa strongly supports recommendations made in a report released today highlighting the dangers posed by quad bikes when ridden or controlled by children who are under 16 years of age.

The Child & Youth Mortality Review Committee (CYMRC) report ‘Child and youth mortality from motorcycle, quad bike and motorised agricultural vehicle use’ looked into 33 child deaths caused by off road motor vehicles from 2001-2012. This includes 12 deaths caused by quad bikes. 

Summer is finally here, and it’s time to head to the playground and park. Safekids Aotearoa and Starship Foundation want every child to be active this season and avoid unnecessary stays in hospital. 

Every day 11 children are hospitalised because of a serious fall injury. “These are not small scrapes, sprains or bruises, but injuries involving children falling and not getting up‐‐such as serious breaks, spinal injuries and traumatic brain injuries,” said Ann Weaver, Director of Safekids Aotearoa.

- Don't Let the Fun Stop this Holiday Season! #FallsRuinTheFun resources and info
- Creative Quest a 'Finalist' at ADHB Health Excellence Awards
- Q&A: How to Fit 3 Carseats in the Back
- Starship Trauma Update: Scooter & Skateboard Admissions (Jan 2009-Dec 2013)
- WHO, Safe Kids WW Highlight Global Impact on Drowning
- Community events and more!

Spring is an exciting time for Kiwi families. With the cold winter months a fading memory, parents are eager to get the kids out of the house to enjoy the warmer days.

Spring however brings with it a number of injury risks—one of the most serious is driveway run over injuries.

We created a lesson plan that teaches students about playground safety, and a check list so kids can get involved keeping their community playground safe this summer. For Years 4-8 (Curriculum links: Technology, Health & Safety), activities include measuring and inspecting playground equipment.

More than 14,800 children in the Auckland region were admitted to hospital due to preventable injuries over the past five years. Auckland Council, working with Safekids Aotearoa has provided unintentional and intentional child injury statistics for each local board area in Auckland.

Safekids Aotearoa, Energizer, Ministry of Health and Trading Standards (a unit of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) announced today an online tool to help emergency medical staff diagnose and treat children suspected of button battery injuries. 

Using new interactive video technology for smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices, GPs, paramedics, A&M and hospital emergency department staff can easily access button battery injury diagnosis and treatment information from www.TheBatteryControlled.co.nz.

Whether you’re out and about braving the elements or keeping snug at home, don’t let winter fun turn into a safety hazard. Follow these cold weather safety tips from Safekids Aotearoa.