Important Everyday Trauma Prevention Strategies

May is National Trauma Awareness Month (NTAM), a time to educate the public about trauma prevention and the importance of timely intervention. This year's theme, "Model Safety Every Day: For a Stronger Tomorrow," emphasizes how everyday actions can prevent injuries and save lives.

However, trauma is something everyone must work to prevent every day, ensuring you and your loved ones are using the proper prevention techniques and tools.

EvergreenHealth Kirkland saw 1,477 trauma cases in 2024. The top 3 mechanisms of injury for adult trauma patients were 80% from falls, 10% from motor vehicle crashes (MVC), and 2% from bicycle injuries. Forty-five pediatric patients were treated for trauma in 2024. Of those patients, 60% had experienced falls, 15% came in for sports related injuries, and 9% from motor vehicle collisions.

Trauma awareness and injury prevention are vital for safeguarding public health. Most injuries are preventable through proactive measures and community education.

Key Prevention Strategies:

• Fall Prevention: For older adults, falls are a leading cause of injury. To prevent falls in the home you can ensure your home is free of tripping hazards, install handrails and use non-slip mats in bathrooms. Child fall prevention strategies include installing safety gates on stairs and guards on windows, making sure there are soft landing surfaces below playground equipment, and using proper safety equipment while playing sports.
• Motor Vehicle Safety: Always wear seat belts—they reduce the risk of death by 45% and serious injury by 50%. Ensure proper fit of seatbelts for all ages. The lap belt should fit snugly across the hips or upper thighs and the shoulder belt should be positioned across the shoulder. Use appropriate car seats for the weight or height of the child. Avoid distractions like texting while driving, which significantly increases crash risk.
• Helmet Use: Wearing a helmet while biking reduces the risk of head injury by at least 45%. You should also be sure to choose the right helmet that's the right size and check that it has the Consumer Product Safety Commission certification sticker. King County has additional tips to help you choose the best helmet for you.
• Bleeding Control: Learn basic first aid techniques, such as the "Stop the Bleed" method, to control severe bleeding before professional help arrives.
• Community Education: Participate in local programs and workshops that promote safety awareness and provide training on injury prevention. EvergreenHealth offers numerous free-to-low-cost programs and classes, including emergency and safety workshops to keep you prepared.

By integrating these strategies into daily life, you can significantly reduce the incidence of preventable injuries and enhance overall public health.