http://www.gov.calgary.ab.ca/citybea...122811_26149_0
This morning at approximately 8:20 am, The City of Calgary
Emergency Medical Services responded to a 911 call in the
community of Terradale. On scene, paramedics provided
advanced life support treatment to a 2 year old female. The
child was in cardiac arrest as a result of an accidental
strangulation from a set of window blinds. EMS transported
the young girl, but despite the best efforts of paramedics,
the child was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
In this difficult time, EMS would like to pass on window
safety messages to Calgarians to help prevent similar future
tragedies.
Every year, paramedics attend incidents where children are
injured, sometimes critically from activity around windows.
When children stand next to windows, they can easily lose
their balance and it takes very little force to push out a
screen, allowing the child to fall. In addition, blinds or
drapes may have cords that could cause strangulation should a
child become entangled in the cords. If you must place your
child near a window, tie or wrap the cord up and out of reach
and move any furniture that may be nearby. There are clamping
devices commercially available that are designed to hold
window cords out of harms way. The following safety tips
should be kept in mind:
• When a window is closed make sure it is locked.
• Never push or lean on a window screen.
• Move furniture such as cribs, beds, stools and
change tables away from windows.
• Never play with the cords that hang from shades or
blinds.
• Keep cords out of the reach of children.
• Teach children not to lean on or play near windows.
• Screens are intended to keep bugs out, NOT to keep
children in
These incidents are preventable by ensuring windows are
secure, screens are securely fitted in the window and items
such as beds, tables or chairs are not placed under the
window.