Why Pediatric Trauma?

Trauma—accidental injury—kills more children than all other diseases combined. 15,000 children die from this killer each year, and another 50,000 are permanently disabled. A child is not a little adult. When injured, their reactions to drugs are different, their responses to small amounts of blood loss are different, and the mending of their growing bones is different. We know that effective pediatric trauma care begins at the moment of injury before a child reaches the hospital when every second counts.

What is Pediatric Trauma?

Motor Vehicle Crashes
Falls
Bicycle Accidents
Pedestrian Struck by Vehicle Incidents
Penetrating Injuries
Sports-related Injuries
Violence (gunshots, shotguns, stabs and fights)
Child abuse/Shaken Baby Syndrome/Assault
Fire/Burns
Transport: Snow Vehicles, Off Road Vehicles, Animal Drawn Vehicles, Water Transport
Drowning/Submersion

When a child’s life is at stake, there is no second chance. The Ohio District Kiwanis Foundation is dedicated to the creation, support, and promotion of projects throughout Ohio with a focus on safety, good health, and education of young children. In August of 2003 the Board of Directors of the Foundation adopted a major focus of fundraising and project support for the next 5 years for Pediatric Trauma Prevention and Treatment. Members of the Ohio Kiwanis Family, Kiwanis Clubs, supportive community members, and organizations are being asked to support this initiative through the various promotional projects the Foundation sponsors. All proceeds from this fundraising activity will go entirely to Pediatric Trauma Prevention and Treatment programs in Ohio. The Foundation is pleased to present this opportunity to better the lives of the young children of Ohio. Your gifts should be sent to the Ohio District Kiwanis Foundation and designated to the Pediatric Trauma Fund.

Pediatric Trauma - Suggested Projects

Bicycle Helmets
More than 14,000 children in Ohio are severely injured each year that could have been prevented if the child had been wearing protective headgear while bicycling, skateboarding or roller blading. The injuries result in $16 million annually for hospital and rehabilitation costs. Many clubs promote bicycle safety through safety town education programs and bicycle rodeos. The Foundation hopes to dramatically reduce serious injury to Ohio youth by the promotion of such safety programs.

Pediatric Trauma Reference Card

In cooperation with the University Hospital in Columbus the Foundation has published and distributed over 52,000 Pediatric Emergency Reference cards. The reference card discloses pertinent information about medications normal for pediatric vital signs and other information, such as coma scoring, that are important when treating youthful patients. During an emergency, time is of the essence and this card provides instant guides for diagnosis and treatment. These cards have been sent to every licensed paramedic and EMT in the State of Ohio.

Pediatric Immobilization Board

The Pediatric Immobilization board has proven to be of immense value to paramedics throughout Ohio.

Adult backboards are not suitable for the restraint and transport of youthful patients under 70 lbs.

The Pediatric Immobilization board allows emergency care for youthful patients without compromising the child's safety and well being.

The Foundation encourages all clubs to be certain that their local EMS teams have this equipment and assist them in obtaining it whenever possible.

This is an excellent Young Children: Priority One activity.

Children's Hospitals

Since the inception of the Ohio District Kiwanis Foundation in 1982, it is with great pride that the Foundation has aligned itself with the major Children's Hospitals throughout Ohio to bring the message of treatment and prevention of pediatric trauma to Ohio Kiwanis Clubs and members.
Countless dollars have been contributed through fund raising efforts and donations. The Foundation remains a supporter of the Children's Miracle Network Telethon.