All together for injury prevention

At the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH) Trauma Centre, injury prevention is a core part of its work. Injuries are the leading cause of death and disability among Canadians aged 1 to 44, placing a significant burden on children, families, and the healthcare system—yet most are predictable and preventable.  

As a level 1 provincial pediatric trauma centre, the MCH plays a leadership role in prevention, using Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP) data to identify emerging trends, guide programming, and support public awareness and policy change. The team is recognized for its expertise and continues to advocate for the safety of children and teens across Québec. 

On Canadian Injury Prevention Day (July 6), the MCH Trauma & Injury Prevention Team will be distributing stickers to staff and patients with the message “Trauma is not an accident”, reinforcing that prevention is the most effective treatment and that everyone has a role to play. 

Staff are encouraged to wear their sticker throughout the day and to share prevention messages with patients and families. The “Je Suis Là” bear, located behind the MCH, will be lit up in green in recognition of Injury Prevention Day. A mobile safety booth will also travel to various locations throughout the hospital. Please stop by and say hello.  

Top summer injury prevention tips 

• Water safety: provide constant, vigilant and undistracted supervision. Stay within arm’s reach of children who cannot swim. 
• Pool safety: all residential pools must be surrounded by a four-sided fence with a self-latching gate and no direct access from the house. 
• Helmet use: wear a properly fitted and securely fastened helmet for all wheeled sports. 
• E-scooters: not a toy—illegal for youth under 14 and require adherence to road rules. 
• Boating: always wear a properly fitted life jacket (PFD – personal flotation device). 
• BBQ/fire safety: maintain a three-metre child-free zone.  
• Falls prevention: install window guards, lock balcony doors, and keep furniture away from windows and railings. 
• Dog bite prevention: teach children to approach dogs safely and avoid unfamiliar or unsupervised interactions. 
• Vehicles/heat safety: always check the back seat before leaving your vehicle.  
• ATVs(all-terrain vehicles): not recommended for children. The legal age to operate an ATV in Québec is 16. The MCH does not recommend that children drive or ride as passengers.