Trauma Agency Shares Injury Data to Promote Back-to-School and Hurricane Preparedness Safety
With students back in classrooms and hurricane season reaching its peak, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s Trauma Agency is promoting safety by releasing its annual traumatic injury data. The data involves patients who required specialized, time-sensitive care and were treated at the county’s two Level 1 trauma centers, Delray Medical Center and St. Mary's Medical Center, for pediatric pedestrian and bicycle-related and hurricane-related traumatic injuries.
Pediatric Pedestrian and Bicycle-Related Injuries
Last year, 79 children in Palm Beach County required trauma center-level care due to pedestrian and bicycle-related injuries. Nearly half of these injuries involved pedestrians who were struck by motor vehicles. Among the 41 bicycle-related traumatic injuries, 15 were associated with electric bikes.
Common Pedestrian Injuries:
• Tripping on uneven sidewalks
• Accidents at crosswalks
Common Bicycle Injuries:
• Falls from bikes
• Collisions with vehicles
• Injuries from improper helmet use
The Health Care District’s Trauma Agency recommends that students who walk to school or the bus stop use crosswalks, walk on sidewalks (or face traffic if sidewalks are unavailable), obey traffic signals, and avoid distractions like cell phones. For bike riders, wearing a securely fastened helmet, following traffic rules, and staying alert is crucial. Parents should encourage children to walk or bike with friends or in groups.
Motorists also play a crucial role in student safety. With the return to school, drivers should be vigilant in school zones, obey speed limits, avoid distractions, and follow traffic laws around school buses. Adhering to these rules helps protect students as they travel to and from school.
Hurricane-Related Injuries
During the 2023 hurricane season (June 1 – November 30), 198 residents and visitors in Palm Beach County were treated for traumatic injuries related to hurricanes or hurricane preparation, including 20 children.
Most of these injuries resulted from falls (70 from ladders), while others were related to handling tools and materials or being struck by objects.
Common pre-storm injuries include:
• Cuts and bruises from handling tools and materials
• Falls from ladders or roofs
• Strains and sprains from lifting heavy objects
Common injuries during a storm include:
• Cuts from broken glass or flying debris
• Head injuries from falling objects
• Burns from using candles or portable stoves
Common post-storm injuries include:
• Lacerations and punctures from debris
• Electrocution from downed power lines
To stay safe as you prepare for a storm, the Health Care District’s Trauma Agency advises residents to use proper tools and techniques and use ladders safely. During a storm, stay indoors and secure loose objects. After a storm, wait for the all-clear, wear protective gear for clean-up, avoid downed power lines and stay out of floodwater.
“Being proactive and staying informed are key to preventing injuries, especially this time of year,” said Belma Andric, MD, MPH, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. “By taking the right precautions and remaining vigilant, residents can better protect themselves and each other.”
“As we approach the peak of hurricane season and kids are back in school, it is vital for motorists to be cautious and community members to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Joel Rosales, RN, Trauma Nurse Manager for the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. “Safety and prevention are our top priority.”
For more information on the Health Care District’s Trauma Agency and prevention strategies to reduce traumatic injuries, please visit http://www.hcdpbc.org/for-patients/trauma-system/education-and-prevention.