Pediatric Trauma, First Lady's Project

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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 fund-raising and project support 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 fund-raising 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.

Safe Pediatric Transport - Focus of the First Family Project

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.

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.

CHAD Labels

Children Have An iDentity labels are put on car seats to provide information needed in case of an emergency. The labels can be printed on a laser printer and distributed by Kiwanis Clubs throughout the community.

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.

Comfort Bears

Bears provide instant comfort for children who are in traumatic situations. Ambulance squads can use them for an injured child. Police officers can give them to a child lost or removed from home.

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