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Simple precautions prevent injuries

Article Origin

Author

Dennis Wardman, M.D., Guest Columnist

Volume

7

Issue

9

Year

2000

Page 17

Norman was a healthy, active 23-year-old, but one night he drank more alcohol than he should have and drove home without wearing his seatbelt. The road conditions were poor but he didn't slow down. When approaching a curve, he lost control of the truck and rolled it. Norman fell through his open truck window and the truck rolled over his back. Now Norman is in a wheelchair, and he will be for the rest of his life.

Instances like this are too common among First Nations peoples. According to a Health Canada report, "Toward a Healthy Future, Second Report on the Health of Canadians, 1999," injuries are the third leading cause of death for Canadians but number one for First Nations people.

The report says injuries typically are defined by health professionals as intentional (homicides, suicide) and unintentional (motor vehicle collisions, drowning).

Violet White, the Aboriginal community health worker at the 8th and 8th Health Centre in Calgary, has worked as a community health representative on Saddle Lake First Nation. She sees the health effects of injuries on a daily basis.

"Many Aboriginals come to the health centre with injuries. In my experience, injuries can cause disability and death. My impression is that individuals experiencing an injury commonly are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"When I see a family who has recently lost a family member due to an injury, they are so upset. Sometimes seeing their grief is too much for me. I have to leave. I wish people knew that it doesn't have to be this way," said White.

This sentiment is echoed by health professionals across the country who are disturbed by the high rate of injuries among First Nations people and who feel that most, if not all, injuries are preventable. Too many people, doctors say, think injuries are accidents, so they cannot be prevented.

Several things can be done. These include things as basic as locking up guns, using safety equipment and wearing seatbelts. Also driving carefully and not smoking in bed.

Finally, learn to recognize a person at risk for suicide so you can offer help.

With all of us taking precautions and working together, injuries can be prevented. so that we don't have to know or hear about people like Norman.

Dr. Wardman is from the Key First Nation in Saskatchewan. He is completing his specialty training in public health at the University of Calgary.