Each year, an average of 15 patients require care at BCCH for significant injuries acquired from window or balcony falls from heights of at least 20 to 30 feet. The most common injuries include head and spinal injuries and fractures, with some incidents tragically resulting in life-long health impacts or fatality.
Every summer, the incidence of these injuries increases as temperatures climb. There are a number of steps every family can take to reduce the risk. These include:
- Move potential ‘climbing frames’ away from windows, including furniture and planters, anything young children can use to gain access to windows.
- Install window guards above the ground floor- these devices fasten windows so that they cannot open more than 10 centimetres wide; families should ensure there's a safety release in the event of fire. These devices can be purchased in local hardware stores.
- Limit balcony access - ensure toddlers and young children are supervised at all times if they are close to or on a balcony.
- If age appropriate, talk to your children about the dangers of opening windows or playing near them.
Families are also reminded that insect screens can easily be manoeuvred to provide access to windows; they do not offer sufficient protection from window falls.
BC Children’s Hospital, a program of the Provincial Health Services Authority, provides expert care for the province’s most seriously ill or injured newborns, children, youth and young adults. Child and Youth Mental Health provides a diverse range of specialized and one-of-a-kind tertiary mental health and substance use services for children, adolescents and young adults across the province. For more information, visit www.bcchildrens.ca or follow us on Instagram @bcchildrens.
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Media contact:
Remi Johnson
Communications Officer
BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre
