Kids are always on the move — climbing, running, jumping. With all that energy comes the occasional mishap, from scraped knees to more serious injuries.
“Kids are very active, and many of those activities come with a high risk for getting hurt,” says Christopher Minnock, M.D., a Henry Ford Health pediatric orthopedist in Troy, Michigan, on the Henry Ford Health blog. “We see a lot of injuries that involve the hands, wrists or forearms — and ankles and feet. Mainly from falls.”
While every situation is different, some childhood injuries are more likely to require urgent medical attention, the CDC notes. Here are some of the most common ones metro Detroit parents should be prepared for — along with when to seek care.
6 of the most common childhood injuries — what to know
1. Falls are the leading injury for kids.
When it comes to nonfatal injuries, falling tops the list for kids ages 0-14, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports — with the face and head most vulnerable.
The annual result? Two million ER visits and 30,000 hospitalizations.
- Common injuries: Cuts, bruises, fractures, sprains, concussions, dislocations (NIH)
- When to seek care: Persistent vomiting, extreme drowsiness, unusual pain, trouble walking or other concerning symptoms; call 911 for serious injury, unconsciousness, trouble breathing or seizures (KidsHealth)
- Prevention: Use bike helmets, secure furniture, lock windows, childproof your home, supervise young children, teach safe play habits (Mayo Clinic)
2. Car crashes send kids to the ER every hour.
Each hour, car crashes land 150 children ages 0-19 in emergency rooms, the CDC reports.
- Common injuries: Whiplash, fractures, internal injuries
- When to seek care: Some injuries can appear hours later. Get kids checked if they seem dizzy, drowsy or in pain. (DMV.org)
- Prevention: Use proper car seats and seat belts, establish safe-driving agreements with teens (CDC)
3. Drowning is the top cause of death for young kids.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for kids under 5, reports the CDC; for ages 5-14, it’s the second, after car crashes. Water safety is critical, whether at pools, lakes or even bathtubs.
- Common risks: Secondary drowning (fluid in lungs), head/spinal injuries from diving
- When to seek care: Labored breathing, chest pain, confusion, bluish skin, worsening symptoms, extreme fatigue (What to Expect)
- Prevention: Ensure kids learn to swim, install a secure pool fence, always supervise them near water (CDC)
4. Suffocation and choking happen fast.
Babies under 1 year face the highest risks here, the NIH notes, often due to unsafe sleep environments. Small objects are also a hazard.
- Common risks: Crib bedding, choking on small toys or food
- When to seek care: If a child is struggling to breathe or has turned blue, call 911 immediately
- Prevention: Put babies to sleep on their backs in a safe crib with no loose bedding/soft toys; cut small round foods (hotdogs, grapes, etc.) into tiny pieces (CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics or AAP)
5. Poisoning is a major risk for young kids.
More than half of all poisonings happen in kids under age 6, the Poison Control reports. Household items like medications and cleaning products are common culprits.
- Common signs: Vomiting, drowsiness, confusion
- When to seek care: Call 911 for unconsciousness, trouble breathing, seizures or extreme agitation; call Poison Help (800-222-1222) for stable cases (Mayo Clinic)
- Prevention: Store chemicals and medications out of reach, in original packaging (CDC)
6. Burns need quick treatment.
From stovetops to hot beverages, burns are in the top five causes of nonfatal kids’ injuries. Run minor burns under cool (not cold) water for 10 minutes, Mayo Clinic notes, or apply a cool, wet cloth.
- Common injuries: Scalds (from liquids/steam), contact burns, chemical burns
- When to seek care: Always for smoke inhalation or major burns — dry or discolored skin, rapid swelling, or burns on hands, face, joints or large areas (Mayo Clinic)
- Prevention: Keep hot items out of reach, test bathwater before use, install smoke detectors
Should you go to the ER or an urgent care?
Not every injury requires an ER visit, but some do.
- Emergency room: If your child has difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding or loss of consciousness, call 911 and head straight to the hospital. (American College of Emergency Physicians)
- Urgent care: Opt for your child’s pediatrician when possible, the AAP notes. For less severe injuries — like mild fractures or sprains — urgent care can be a backup option.
This content is sponsored by Henry Ford Health. For related content, visit Top Kids Health Questions Answered!
