Children's hospital reports spike in falling injuries
Children's Hospital of Fudan University has reported an increase in falling-related injuries during the coronavirus pandemic, when school closures have forced most youngsters to remain at home.
In the past two months, the hospital received eight children who were injured after falling from high places.
In one recent case, a 5-year-old boy fell from the sixth-story window of his home while his grandmother was cooking in the kitchen. When his grandma found him downstairs, the boy was lying on the ground but was still conscious. Their neighbors helped them call an ambulance.
The boy was diagnosed with multiple fractures, subdural hemorrhage and a skull base fracture. Doctors also had to remove the child's spleen. Although the boy survived, he suffered irreparable damage to his health.
According to Dr Chen Weiming, deputy director of the hospital's pediatric intensive care unit, the increase in adolescent falling accidents is related to the increased amount of time that children are spending indoors. Since they cannot go outside, some active children may play near windows or balconies and then accidentally fall if these areas are not properly secured.
According to Chen, all of the recent falling patients have survived, but some of them will suffer permanent disabilities and traumas.
Zheng Jicui, an associate chief physician at the hospital's neurosurgery department, advises that barriers should be installed on windows and balconies, while tables, chairs or benches should not be placed underneath them. Young children should never be left home alone or allowed to climb on high places.
Chemicals and drugs should also be placed beyond children's reach, as well as hot liquids, foods and electrical appliances.
A boy who suffered several injuries after falling from a high place is under treatment at the Children's Hospital of Fudan University.
