Health Care Professionals
Crash Injury and Healthcare Presentation
Physicians, Nurses and Educators will be updated on Preventing Child Occupant Injuries
Health professionals and educators will receive the latest information on protecting child passengers, through a special 1-hour presentation that is available statewide. The interactive session will incorporate the latest research, crash-test videos and demonstrations, providing vital information for use in healthcare practices.
Motor vehicle crashes are the biggest killer and injurer of children. Each day in 2005, an average of 5 U.S. children were killed and 647 were injured while riding in motor vehicles. The frequency of childhood deaths and injuries on Montana roads has increased. While not all crash-related injuries are life-threatening, many may require lifelong treatment. Most of the serious injuries can be prevented through proper selection, installation and use of restraints.
“Addressing child occupant injuries and helping patient families avoid them are key healthcare issues,” according to Patty Carrell, Montana State Coordinator for Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies. “Parents look to these professionals for advice on keeping kids safe.” The state coalition is reaching out to pediatricians, family practitioners, nurses and health educators through these 1-hour presentations.
The program has enlisted Joseph M. Colella, a recognized national expert
on child occupant protection, to help create the program and deliver the presentations.
Colella has taught occupant protection in 43 states, but he says that this is
the first statewide effort of its kind.
“We’ve developed a presentation called, ‘Crash Injury & Healthcare: What
Physicians, Nurses and Health Educators Need to Know About Occupant Protection
for Children,’” says Colella.
We give participants core information on crash
injuries and restraints, make them aware of expert resources in their areas,
and encourage them to share what they learn with patients.”
By the end of the meeting, attendees should have a better understanding of what happens to passengers during crashes, how seat belts and safety seats manage crash energy, which types of restraints are best for children as they grow, and more. They will be equipped with information they can share with community members, including where to turn for expert assistance.
