EMERGENCY PREVENTION
Injuries happen, but they don't have to
CAR SAFETY SEAT STATIONS
We've gone virtual! While we miss performing car seat checks in-person, we have transitioned to offering car seat education sessions via FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom and seen overwhelming caregiver success. As always, these are free educational services for all community members. To book a virtual car seat education session, visit our booking platform here.
If you are in need of a no/low cost car seat or experience barriers to participating in a virtual session, please contact us via email or call 503-413-4005 to schedule an in-person appointment.
CRYING BABIES AND SHAKEN BABY PREVENTION
Nothing is sweeter than holding a happy baby in your arms. Sometimes, though, babies can cry very hard. Because they can’t tell us what’s wrong, the crying can last a long time and that can be frustrating, especially for new parents. That frustration can sometimes lead a parent to shake their baby. Babies have fragile brains and weak neck muscles, which means that shaking a baby can cause severe injury or even death. Shaken baby syndrome is the leading cause of child abuse in the United States; one out of every four victims do not survive. More information about shaken baby syndrome can be found at dontshake.org.
If your baby won’t stop crying, it will be helpful to learn about the Period of PURPLE Crying, the time when young, healthy babies often cry a lot. Your ability to be patient during this period will be really helpful for you and your baby. You can learn more about PURPLE crying and practical tips to help you and your baby by visiting the Period of PURPLE Crying website.
HOW TO PREVENT BURNS
Making your home safe from potential hazards is the best way to prevent burn injuries in children. Here are some key tips to follow to avoid burns:
- Set your hot water heater at 120 degrees or lower. Exposure to water at 124 degrees for three minutes can result in severe burns.
- Keep hot liquids such as coffee and tea away from children.
- When barbecuing or having a bonfire outside, keep a five-foot distance between children and the source of heat. Remember that ashes can remain hot 24 hours after a fire has died.
- Keep small children away from all fireworks, including sparklers.
- Place a gate around your fireplace hearth.
- Keep ash trays elevated.
The Legacy Oregon Burn Center sends teams throughout the Northwest to teach parents and school-age children about the risk of burn injuries. We also have a program to help recovering pediatric burn patients re-enter the school system. Call 503-413-2398 for more information.
POISON PREVENTION
Accidental poisoning can happen to anyone, especially children. According to the Oregon Poison Center, more than 44% of all poisonings happen to children under the age of five. A poison is something that can be harmful if it’s swallowed or inhaled, or if it touches the skin or the eyes. Poisons can be found in medicine, edible marijuana products, makeup, cleaning products and even household plants. Understanding what is poisonous in your home and keeping these items out of your child’s reach is important.
For more information about poison prevention, visit aapcc.org/prevention.
In case of emergency, call 1-800-222-1222.
If you have concerns, visit the Poison Help Hotline: aapcc.org/prevention.
Get Connected & Stay Informed
MyHealth gives you access to your child's medical records. View test results, diagnoses, medications, follow-up instructions, make an appointment and more.
