Jul 27, 2009 09:53 PM
A Bathtub Can Be Dangerous!
By Oscar Smith, CISM Chaplain, Life Safety Expert
Copyright 2009
One of the most challenging times I have had as a Chaplain has been the visits to hospitals where parents are anxiously awaiting a word on the condition of their child who was rushed to the emergency room after being injured in the home. Each year approximately 3,800 injuries and 34 deaths occur in the home due to scalding from excessive hot tap water. The majority of these accidents involve believe it or not the elderly and children under the age of five. When was the last time you checked the temperature on your water heater? Did you know burns will occur with a six second exposure to 140 degree water or with a thirty second exposure to 130 degree water? Even if the temperature is 120 degrees a five -minute exposure could result in third degree burns. Around my home we take hot water serious. Thank God my sons are grown now but when toddlers we always hand tested the water before using it to bathed them. Leaving a child unsupervised in the bathroom, even for one tiny little second believe it or not could cause fatal or serous injuries. Your presence as a parent at all times is the best precaution against accidents to infants and young children. I would also caution that you never leave a baby in the care of another young child. If the phone rings or you need to grab a towel or make a simple chore in another room please take your baby with you!
Children drowning in bathtubs account for about two thirds of the 459 reported drowning deaths in the home. The majority of these deaths happen when the caregiver is not present. In the time it takes to step out of the room to get something a young child can drown.
Though not frequently involved in deaths other products around the home containing water can be drowning hazards as well. The most common when you think about it are buckets, fish tanks and do not forget the landscape pond.
In the year 2004, there were 3,308 unintentional fatal drownings in the United States averaging nine people a day. This does not include the 676 fatalities from drowning from other causes due to boating related incidents.
Non fatal drowning can cause brain damage that result in long term disabilities ranging from memory problems to permanent loss of basic functions. Again, I’m a Chaplain not a health care professional but you should by now get my point.
Guys let me make this perfectly clear to you, the male population accounted for 78% of fatal unintentional drownings in the United States. Stop clowning around in the water, this is no place to play.
I can’t even count the friends over the years I’ve personally lost in boating related deaths. The statistics show that in 87% of the cases or better those who drowned were not wearing a life jacket. Alcohol use is involved in about 25% to 50% of child or adult deaths associated with water recreation.
I live near Percy Priest Lake here in Nashville, TN and it is pretty routine to see boaters loading up the coolers with beer and wine for the day. You do not need to be a rocket scientist to know that alcohol influences your balance, coordination, judgment and its effect is elevated by exposure to the sun and heat.
Toilets can be overlooked as a drowning hazard in the home. The typical scene in an emergency room setting is the child under 3 years of age falling headfirst into the toilet. Keep that toilet lid down.
Spas and Hot Tubs can pose another danger.
Swimming pools needs to have several layers of protection which include barriers to prevent access without proper supervision.
Have a wonderful and safe summer.
Oscar Smith
lifesafe@comcast.net
