CVH Foundation News: Safety helmet outreach program
It is 7:15 Saturday morning when Jason jumps out of bed and throws on his lucky fishing clothes.
At 7:20 Lisa is hurriedly gathering everything she thinks her mother will need that day to care for her 10-month-old twins.
At 7:25, while whizzing down the hill on his bike, Jason remembers his new helmet, still sitting in the box on his dresser. But, he needs to be the first one to his special fishing spot!
Almost 7:30 and Lisa realizes she is running late, again. She spies one of the girls' pacifiers on the car floor and quickly reaches down to pick it up. Looking up, she sees the boy on his bike and is relieved when they both swerve.
At first the paramedics think Jason's only injury is a broken arm. During the ambulance ride to the hospital, Jason begins showing signs of brain trauma. Jason had hit his head. Swerving a little too hard, his tire had caught in the gravel and Jason was thrown onto the roadway.
At 7:40 Jason's mother receives the phone call every parent dreads, a phone call that changes the lives of many people forever.
Head injuries account for more than 60 percent of bicycle-related deaths, more than two-thirds of bicycle-related hospital admissions, and about one-third of hospital emergency room visits are for bicycle injuries. The single most effective safety device available to reduce head injury and death from bicycle crashes is a helmet. It is estimated that 75 percent of bicycle-related fatalities among children could be prevented with a bicycle helmet. Unfortunately, national estimates report that bicycle helmet use among child bicyclists ranges from only 15 to 25 percent.
To address this health concern, Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation has established a Kids' Safety Helmet Outreach Program. The program, in conjunction with the Snohomish County SAFE KIDS Coalition, promotes safety for both adults and children. With 150 helmets on hand, anyone can make an appointment to purchase a helmet and have it correctly fitted by a specially trained hospital employee.
To inquire about the Foundation, make a donation, have a helmet fitting, or participate in the Third Annual Poker Walk, contact Joan Miles at 360-435-2133, ext. 4705 or by email: .
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. It should not replace a visit with your health care professional. Call your doctor if you need more information or have additional questions.