Door-Crush Injuries May Have Serious Effects

Category: Health

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. make light of / meɪk laɪt ʌv, ɒv / (idiom) – to think that something is not so serious
    Example:

    Parents should not make light of home accidents, even the minor ones.


  2. affirm / əˈfɜrm / (v) – to confidently say that something is true
    Example:

    The doctor affirmed that rest and medication will heal Nancy’s hand injury.


  3. call for (something) / kɔl fɔr / (phrasal) – to show that something is necessary
    Example:

    Darren’s knee injury calls for at least six months of continuous physical therapy.


  4. no laughing matter / noʊ ˈlæf ɪŋ ˈmæt ər / (idiom) – referring to something that should be taken very seriously
    Example:

    The students were reminded that home accidents are no laughing matter.


  5. childproof / ˈtʃaɪldˌpruf / (v) – to make an area safe for children or impossible to be damaged by children
    Example:

    We need to childproof the house before the baby is born.


Article

Read the text below.

Parents are warned about making light of their child’s door-crush injury, an injury caused when one’s hand is trapped in a door.


According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), more than two million children get into accidents in and around their homes annually. All of those children require emergency medical care. Moreover, the number of children who get door-crush injuries amounts to around 30,000 yearly, 1,500 of which undergo surgery.


The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) affirmed that some cases of door-crush injuries can lead to long-term pain. While other cases would require only a clinic appointment or an X-ray, some call for a day surgery or physical therapy. Other effects include finger amputation, elbow pain, migraines, and even depression.


Anna De Leo, BAPRAS spokesperson and plastic surgeon, pointed out that a fingertip injury is no laughing matter. It can cause a 20% loss of hand strength, preventing a person from doing even a simple task like tying shoelaces. Such disability might also limit one’s future career choices.


BAPRAS identified self-shutting fire safety doors, car doors, and hinges as common causes of children’s finger injuries.


Furthermore, reports show that 0 to 4-year-olds, especially boys, are usually at risk. Most accidents occur due to distractions, inadequate supervision, unfamiliar surroundings, and many others.


Because of this, experts are encouraging parents to childproof their homes with door stoppers or hinge protectors. They recommend that the kitchen, bathroom, and other parts of the house also be childproofed because home accidents are not limited to door-crush injuries. Children could also get into accidents like falls, poisoning, and drowning.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• How else can parents prevent their children from getting into accidents at home?
• Should parents teach their young children what to do when they get hurt? Explain.

Discussion B

• Do you consider your home childproof? Why or why not?
• Is it wise to spend extra money renovating or buying furniture to childproof one’s home? Discuss.