As temperatures continue to rise in the country, Sidra Medicine urged families to take necessary precautions from heat and when taking children to beaches or swimming pools to avoid the risk of drowning.
Senior Attending Physician, Emergency Department, Sidra Medicine, Dr. Nadeem Jilani said that every year Sidra Medicine Emergency department sadly gets lots of cases of drowning or near drowning of young children that are completely avoidable.
“Children should always be supervised while swimming or playing in or around water,” said Dr. Jilani, who is also the Medical Director of the Sidra Child Advocacy Program.
According to published data, drowning is a leading cause of injury death in children 1-4. Young children can drown in as little as an inch or two of water, and it can happen quickly and silently’. Worldwide, an estimated 236,000 people die from drowning every year, it is considered the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide and children, males and individuals with increased access to water are most at risk for drowning. In Qatar, as many as 50 residents die from drowning every year.
Toddlers are curious, active and eager to explore their surroundings and are attracted to water. But, they don’t understand that water can be dangerous and aren’t old enough yet to do what is needed when in trouble.
“Ensure that pools are secured with appropriate barriers; and make sure children swim within designated areas that are within sight of guardians or lifeguards and always use proper water safety and flotation devices,” said Dr. Jilani.
“Instruct children not to run, push or jump on others in and around the pool. If you are going to be on a boat, make sure children always wear a proper flotation device,” he added.
According to Dr. Jilani, Emergency Department at Sidra Medicine receives increased number of children exposed to heat.
“We also see cases of heat stroke,” he said.
“When outdoors, use plenty of sun block cream and wear a hat and dark sun glasses; encourage your children to drink water frequently and have it readily available; and keep water bottles with you at all times,” he added.
Dr. Jilani advised to dress children in clothing that is light-coloured, lightweight in absorbent material that will maximize the evaporation of sweat.
He also urged parents not to leave a young child in a locked car. “The inside of a car can become hot in just a short amount of time, even with the window open,” he said, adding that to ensure child is in a car seat or buckled in safely when travelling by car, while travelling.