Summertime is a time for concern as the number of children drowning has reached nauseating heights. Even one child dying by accidental drowning is too much and something that no parent or guardian can ever fully forgive themselves for. Fences and locking gates around pools have just been implemented in the public conscious because of such tragedies that have occurred over the past several years.

Other child health or safety issues revolve around lead in toys that are imported from overseas. Although lead has been banned from paint on toys in the United States since the late seventies, other countries still have no restrictions and perhaps use it for its economic values or a lack of education as to the danger of it. America has a responsibility to educate and perhaps help fund those countries and companies to make the transition to non lead paint.

Plastic can also contain lead and has yet been banned from plastics on children’s toys. Lead actually makes plastic more flexible and more durable in heat. But a health issue is that when plastic is exposed to some detergents the chemical bond between lead and plastic breaks down and forms a dust that can be ingested through inhalation and lead to respiratory infections and other incubating afflictions.

Children’s health or safety issues should be at the forefront of the country’s concerns as we are now more knowledgeable about chemical interactions and residues exposed under certain circumstances like washings. For a prosperous country the health and safety of its citizens is a major concern and subject to intense alterations of manufacturing.

Do-it-yourself kits have been put on the market to test for lead. However, they fail to indicate the levels of the element and as of yet there hasn’t been any determination as to how reliable those kits are in detecting low levels of lead. Only a laboratory test could accurately determine the true level of lead in paint or plastic. Laws are being implemented to restrict the use of lead in paints and plastics.

School playgrounds have been replacing the concrete and blacktop surfaces are being replaced by mulch, wood chips, and sand to cushion children’s falls and jumps off swings. The most effective safety feature is adult supervision and the education of kids to not jump off swings or from the top rungs of jungle gyms to prevent broken legs and twisted ankles.

For all the advancements in technology, it is important that the safety and health of our children forge ahead and evolve with the knowledge that’s discovered with leading tests and statistical data.

In the 19th century bed rails were used to restrain psychiatric patients then later used to protect people from getting out of bed and help staff maintain control of patient activities. Little has changed in the 21st century. In the 1930′s bed rails became a standard feature to keep patients safe in bed. Incidents increased where patients climbed over or through the bed rails resulting in serious injuries or death. A nursing shortage post war increased the number of patients needing assistance getting out of bed (usually for toileting) thus increasing incidents involving bed rails. Not much has changed since many falls happen when people need to get out of bed to use the toilet.

The 1950′s led to the development of the half-rail to help patients exit the bed and reduce incidents. This helped but didn’t solve the problem. They were also used to aid in turning and positioning while lying in bed. In the 1960′s and 1970′s there was an escalating nursing shortage which prompted their continued use. This included the use of other physical restraints instead of nurse observation. Basically, the same problem we have today.

In the 1980′s falls from bed became a hospital liability issue and when the routine use of bed rails became the standard of good nursing practice. This started to conflict with mobility during recuperation although they still used full length rails on the elderly to keep them immobilized. In 1985 increasing reports to the FDA of patient incidents, accidents and entrapments sparks controversy and investigation. In 1995 the FDA issues a safety alert “Entrapment Hazards with Hospital-Bed-Rails” explaining the potential risks of bed rail use. In 1999 the FDA collaborates with the healthcare industry to form the Hospital Bed Safety Workgroup (HBSW). In 2000 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issues revisions to Surveyor Guidance governing the use of restraints in hospitals and nursing facilities due to the risks.

There are many sizes and shapes on the market based on a 19th century design with a couple of exceptions. Bed rail use needs serious thought prior to being recommended or requested in any setting. Understanding their use and history will help everyone make better choices to avoid unintended consequences.