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Preventing falls

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For your child’s protection, we ask that these guidelines be followed:

  • Children under age 2 should be placed in cribs.
  • Those who can pull themselves up to standing position should be in cribs with safety tops.
  • Children age 2–3 may sleep in youth beds with safety tops.
  • Children age 3 and over may sleep in youth beds.
  • Unless you are physically holding your child, crib/youth bed rails should be fully upright at all times while your child is in the crib/youth bed.
  • Children should wear non-skid footwear when walking.
  • Children with IVs should have adult assistance when walking.
  • Children in wagons, high chairs or swings should not be left unattended.

References:

Child Health Corporation of America: Nursing Falls Study Task force (2009),
National Safe Kids Campaign (2010), and American Academy of Pediatrics (2011).

Be our health care partner in preventing FALLS!

We want all children to be safe during their hospital stay.

Hospital falls can result in injury! Did you know falls...

  • CAN happen in the hospital? Our environment is unfamiliar to you and your child.
  • Often happen when parents are present.
  • Often occur while in the bathroom.
  • Often occur during the first 24 hours or with an extended hospital stay.

What we can do...

  • Partner with you and your child for fall prevention.
  • Quickly respond to your call.
  • Help your child with getting out of bed and walking.
  • Help your child with bathroom needs.
  • Provide non-skid socks if needed.
  • Help keep your child’s hospital room safe.

What you can do...

  • If you leave the unit, let your nurse know.
  • The hospital crib/bed is where your child belongs for their safety.
  • Keep the crib/youth bed rails up at all times.
  • Cribs should have toppers in place if the young child is able to pull to a standing position.
  • Being out of bed for any reason requires you to have a hand on your child.
  • Ask for staff assistance to get your child out of bed.
  • The day bed and chair are meant for adult use; no standing on the day bed.
  • If your child needs a break from the bed and is allowed to leave the room, let a team member know.

Children know when you are distracted. Put your child in the crib/bed with side rails up during those times you are talking to the staff, on the phone, etc.

I agree to partner with Wolfson Children’s Hospital to prevent my child from falling.