“Trauma season” begins as experts warn of spike in summer injuries among children
Injuries spike during this period, with increases in hot-car incidents, water emergencies, pedestrian and bike crashes, and backyard and firework-related accidents.
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Connecticut Children’s Injury Prevention Center kicked off summer today with a warning about the sharp rise in childhood injuries that typically begin in late spring.
Experts and community leaders gathered at Connecticut Children’s Specialty Care Center in Westport and outlined why the months from May through August are often called “trauma season.” They say injuries spike during this period, with increases in hot-car incidents, water emergencies, pedestrian and bike crashes, and backyard and firework-related accidents.
Safety officials also highlighted the dangers of sparklers, which can burn at more than 1,000 degrees and cause serious injuries. “It’s always important to supervise your children when they are using these,” said Terry Dunn, Westport fire marshal. “Keep the sparklers at arm’s length away from hair, clothing and the face. When the sparkler is finished, make sure you put it in a bucket of water.”
Dunn added that all fireworks are illegal in Connecticut, including anything that explodes or shoots into the air—even sky lanterns.
