Amid the Ramadan atmosphere and social celebrations taking place in the region, medical professionals have issued strong warnings regarding child safety. Dr. Alaa Al-Janabi, from Qatif Central Hospital, cautioned against a dangerous phenomenon that recurs during these occasions and puts children's lives at risk. This phenomenon is the rise in cases of children falling from vehicle windows and sunroofs, which now tops the list of critical cases received by emergency departments, necessitating serious attention from parents.
Context of the phenomenon and its increasing risks
These warnings come at a time when the streets are bustling with activity during the nights of Ramadan, as some children, driven by joy and celebration, tend to stick their heads or bodies out of car windows or sunroofs. Dr. Al-Janabi revealed that the hospital has observed a significant increase in injuries to children resulting from this phenomenon, describing them as tragic accidents that are alarmingly on the rise. Scientific facts in the field of traffic safety indicate that a sudden stop of a vehicle, even at low speeds, can, due to inertia, eject a child from the vehicle or cause a violent impact with the car's structure, resulting in fatal injuries or permanent disabilities.
First line of defense: Safety and control seats
Medical recommendations emphasized the need for strict adherence to safety standards, stressing that preventing children's heads from sticking out of windows or leaving their seats while the vehicle is in motion is the primary responsibility of parents. Al-Janabi explained that using child safety seats and fastening seat belts constitutes the "first line of defense" against serious injuries. She also warned against the danger of rushing a child out of the car before it has come to a complete stop, as this is a major cause of falls and run-over accidents that could end a child's life in a moment of inattention.
Safety outside the vehicle: the street and stray animals
The advice wasn't limited to safety inside the vehicle; it extended to safe behaviors on the street. The doctor emphasized the importance of teaching children the correct way to cross the street safely, starting with stopping at pedestrian crossings and ensuring the road is clear, and never crossing without adult supervision. Regarding recreational vehicles like bicycles and scooters, she urged that their use be restricted to designated and safe areas away from traffic lanes, and stressed the mandatory use of personal protective equipment such as helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads.
In a related environmental and health context, Al-Janabi warned against the indiscriminate handling of animals, emphasizing the need to seek immediate emergency medical attention after any bite or scratch to receive the necessary vaccinations to prevent the serious disease of rabies. She urged people to avoid approaching large animals such as camels and horses without a qualified guide. She concluded by placing the full responsibility on parents to instill safety awareness in their children to ensure the upbringing of a generation capable of protecting themselves.
