Summer without injuries: pediatrician from Zainsk Central District Hospital provided recommendations on how to protect children from summer dangers.

      Every year in Russia, more than 3 million children's injuries are registered, and summer is the season of records for ambulance calls. The head of the pediatric department of the State Autonomous Healthcare Institution "Zainsk Central District Hospital," Snezhana Yuryevna Vesnina, talks about where the main threat lies. - Snezhana Yuryevna, why does childhood trauma sharply increase during the warm season? - The statistics are relentless: injuries and poisonings take first place in the structure of child mortality, reaching 30%. In summer, children gain uncontrolled freedom. While teachers monitored children at school, outside, the responsibility entirely falls on parents. The main cause of fatalities is road traffic accidents. But there are also drownings, falls from heights (including due to mosquito nets), and severe injuries from motor vehicles. The peak of incidents occurs in the age group of 7–12 years: they are no longer toddlers, but not yet teenagers with a sense of self-preservation. - Let's talk about roads and transport. What is the main danger for modern children on the road? - Deadly negligence — headphones and phones while crossing the street. The child cannot hear the cars. Rule number one: cross the road only after ensuring that all vehicles have stopped, even on a green light. The second scourge is "scootering" and riding on the steps of vehicles. This is deadly due to electric shocks and falling under the rails. Thirdly, motor transport. Riding a scooter (up to 50 cc) is allowed from the age of 16 with a license, and children under 14 are prohibited from riding quad bikes even on public roads. Quad bikes are treacherous: their low weight leads to tipping over, resulting in spinal fractures. The best prevention is to replace motor transport with bicycles at speeds up to 15 km/h. - What about bicycles and electric scooters? Parents often consider protective gear "excessive." - Helmets, elbow pads, and knee pads are not a whim but a lifesaver against head injuries and ligament tears. The child must know: descending steep slopes is dangerous, and they should not stop at vehicle exits from arches. Regarding scooters: adhere to speed limits, choose a smooth surface without potholes. Never ride double — the design is not meant for that, and the handlebars may not withstand the weight. When crossing a pedestrian crossing, always get off the scooter and carry it in your hands. And always use reflectors (flickers) at night. - Water bodies are another point of no return. What rules should be ingrained in the child's subconscious? - Swim only in designated areas and only with adults. It is prohibited to jump from cliffs (there may be stones and rebar at the bottom), swim beyond the buoys, and especially to attempt to swim across a river for a bet. Inflatable mattresses and rings are toys only near the shore; the current can instantly carry a child into deep water. If a leg cramps, the main thing is not to panic, call for help, roll onto your back, and rub the muscle. Monitor the time in the water to prevent hypothermia. And remember: a sunstroke is no less dangerous than drowning. Stay in the shade from 12 to 4 PM, use headgear and sunscreen. - It seems that at home, the child is safe. But you say that domestic injuries are also high. What do parents complain about most often? - About the "mosquito net syndrome." Little ones lean on it, thinking it is a support, and fall out of windows. Open windows ONLY for ventilation (with a limiter), do not leave chairs near the windowsill. The second common issue is intestinal infections. Wash hands, fruits, and vegetables. Thirdly, fire hazards. Explain: if you cannot extinguish a fire with a blanket, immediately exit, closing the door, and descend the stairs without using the elevator. The number 101 or 112 should be memorized by the child. And the main safety rule in the city: do not open the door to strangers, even if they identify themselves as police officers. - How to protect children from wild animals, ticks, and heatstroke? - I'll start with heatstroke. In hot weather, wear light clothing made of natural fabrics and drink water every 20–30 minutes. Do not walk in the active sun from 12 to 4 PM. In the forest, always wear headgear and closed clothing to protect against ticks (tight cuffs, hoods). After a walk, thoroughly check the skin. If you find a tick, go to the doctor immediately. If you see a stray dog — do not run, freeze, or slowly back away against a wall. It is deadly to touch hanging wires or approach power line supports. And there is a strict ban on lighting fires without adults. - What about abandoned buildings and selfies on roofs? - This is the disaster of our generation. The person taking the photo loses vigilance. Never climb on roofs and especially do not approach the edge of the roof or lean over for a like. Do not climb on rocks, cliffs, or logs — a single gust of wind is enough to fall. It is categorically prohibited to take photos with weapons (even traumatic ones) and while climbing on vehicles. The most successful photo is not worth a life. - If a child gets lost in a shopping center or on the beach. What is your instruction? - The most important thing that parents should instill in the child: "If something goes wrong — you will not be punished." Fear makes children move. The rule: stop, stay in place, or go to the cashier, security, or a police officer. Do not leave with strangers who "help to find mom." Teach the child to call 112. - And finally: playgrounds. It seems like ordinary slides and swings. But are there nuances? - Of course. Approach swings from the side, sit down, and only get up after they have completely stopped. Do not swing empty swings — they hit with tremendous force. If you fall from the swings, do not get up immediately, or you will get hit on the head. Before going down the slide, make sure the previous child has already moved aside. Do not ride on broken or rusty structures. - Your main advice to parents for the summer? - Do not rely on "maybe." Your child is not a superhero. May summer bring only joy, not a stay on a hospital bed. Take care of the children! In case of any incidents, call: 112 (Rescue Service), 103 (Ambulance), 102 (Police). Photo by the author Aigul Yarullina