Prevention Programs at St. Joseph's

The best way to avoid becoming a trauma victim is through education. At St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center Trauma Services Department, we provide educational programs and information to help keep you and your loved ones safe. We attend community events, and are available to schools and organizations to provide presentations.

Drowning Prevention

Drowning is quick and silent. There is no cry for help. It can happen in just a few seconds. This can happen to a child of good and caring parents. Most drowning or near drowning victims were last seen within five minutes.

Drowning is now the leading cause of death for kids under the age of four and the second leading cause of death among kids age 14 and younger. Most often this occurs in the child's own pool. However, kids can drown in as little as one inch of water. This makes five-gallon buckets, diaper pails, ponds, bathtubs, canals, fish tanks, toilets, and any other receptacles a potential danger. The lack of oxygen for even two minutes can result in brain damage. Survivors of near drowning can have retardation or physical disabilities.

Car Seat Program

Children are often injured or killed in motor vehicle incidents due to lack of restraint use. These injuries and deaths are largely preventable when children are appropriately restrained. According to NHTSA and National Safe Kids, four out of five car seats are used incorrectly.

St. Joseph's Trauma Prevention Program offers car seat check ups by appointment, and provides a hands-on session with parents and caretakers on how to correctly use and install a child safety seat correctly for their child. A NHTSA-certified (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) individual provides the parent training.

This program is not for parents only; it is also very valuable information for daycare providers or anyone transporting children.

Home Safety

The Trauma Prevention Staff provides a Home Safety curriculum that teaches parents and guardians how to have a more child safe environment, and prevent unintentional injuries. Presentations can be scheduled by appointment for agencies and organizations.

Contact Us

For more information on any of our prevention programs call the Injury Free Coalition at (602) 406-3868.