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AHS reminds parents to prevent childhood concussions as falls remain leading cause of injury
As summer gets underway, Alberta Health Services is reminding families to stay vigilant when it comes to childhood safety. Falls remain the leading cause of injury-related visits to emergency departments and urgent care centres for children in the province, particularly those under the age of five.
In 2022, more than 3,500 children under five visited Alberta emergency departments after falling from furniture such as beds or chairs. AHS says about 70 per cent of concussions in children are caused by falls, making it a top concern during active summer months.
Health officials are encouraging parents to take precautions at home and outdoors. For young children, that means using stair gates, installing window guards on second-storey windows and actively supervising play. Children between five and nine should wear helmets while biking or skateboarding and be secured properly in car or booster seats while traveling.
“Falls can happen in a split second, whether it’s from furniture or during play,” said Alberta Health Services. “Preventing injuries starts with creating a safe environment and using proper safety gear. We want kids to enjoy summer, but we also want them to stay out of the emergency room.”
Concussions, which are caused by blows to the head or body that shake the brain inside the skull, can be difficult to identify in children. AHS advises parents to watch for persistent headaches, mood changes, or changes in sleep and eating habits. If these symptoms appear, children should stop all activities and see a healthcare provider. Recovery often involves rest, followed by a gradual return to physical and mental activity.
In more serious cases, AHS warns that symptoms such as repeated vomiting, neck pain, confusion, seizures, or weakness in the limbs require urgent medical care. Parents should call 911 if these signs are present. Alberta 811 is also available 24 hours a day for non-emergency health advice.
The agency encourages families to visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca for more detailed information on injury prevention and concussion care.
The reminders come as part of broader efforts by Alberta’s health system to improve access to both emergency and primary care services. Acute Care Alberta and Primary Care Alberta, two recently established provincial health agencies, aim to streamline access to timely care and reduce wait times across the system.
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