Summer isn't over, but it has been deadly for two children who fell from windows that had been left open.
"Over this summer, at least 11 children have been treated at BC Children’s Hospital after falling from a window and two of those children have since passed away," says BC Children’s trauma manager Michelle Dodds.
In the summer months of June to August of 2021, B.C. has seen a year's worth of falls from windows.
In 2020, 14 children aged 16 and younger were treated at BC Children’s Emergency Department for falls from windows and balconies.
“The injuries we see from window falls are often devastating for everyone involved," says Dodds. "It's devastating for the child, who’s had this big and awful thing happen, and the other family members as well, who are sometimes struggling with emotional trauma from the event and logistics of having a child injured or in the hospital.”
Statistics indicate most falls from windows involve children aged six and under and occur at home when the weather is warmer, between April and September.
“I want to encourage parents and caregivers to be extra vigilant and keep children safe near windows and balconies," says BC Emergency Health Services advanced care paramedic Ryan Stefani. "As a paramedic for the past 15 years, I have responded to these types of calls, where young ones have fallen and sustained serious or even fatal injuries — it's heartbreaking. Please follow our fall prevention tips, protect your loved ones and have a safe, enjoyable summer."
Curious toddlers are especially vulnerable to window falls, as they love to climb and often don’t recognize when they are putting themselves at risk. Because they have a higher centre of gravity, toddlers can easily fall headfirst through a window screen if they lean against it.
