Institute offers tips to avoid summertime injuries

San Antonio – Traumatic injury is the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 1 and 44, and is the cause of more than 37 million emergency department visits each year, according to the National Trauma Institute. The organization warns that the number of traumas is likely to spike during the coming summer months.

NTI offers the following tips to keep families safe this summer:

• Never use a cell phone while driving. If lost, safely pull to the side of the road before consulting a map.
• Keep first aid kits in your home and car to treat common injuries such as cuts and burns.
• Keep fire extinguishers on every floor of the home. An extinguisher or hose also should be kept near outdoor grills and fire pits.
• Always wear helmets and elbow and knee pads when biking, skating and riding on all-terrain vehicles or motorcycles.
• Be sure boats are stocked with life jackets for each passenger.
• Never leave children unsupervised while in or near water, and only swim in designated beach areas with a lifeguard.
• Know the location of the closest trauma center.