Finger entrapment injuries can lead to excruciating pain and discomfort, especially for school-going kids. These can range from minor to life-changing incidents. Hence, understanding the types of injuries, how these occur, and what can help prevent such accidents helps reduce the associated trouble. Kids are naturally curious and energetic, and it puts them at constant risk of door-related accidents, but staying proactive is the way to go.
Here are some common types of finger entrapment injuries that kids at nurseries and schools can encounter:
Bruises
Bruising is a common type of finger entrapment injury. It results from fingers trapped between a closing door and its frame. Although it’s minor, it can cause pain, swelling, and also create fear in the child’s mind.
Cuts or Scrapes
Sharp edges, splintering frames, and faulty door mechanisms can result in lacerations. These can be superficial or deep and easily become infected if not addressed in time.
Sprain and Dislocation
Kids can get their fingers caught or twisted when pulling away from a door. It can lead to soft tissue injury or ligament straining and tearing. In severe cases, the joints can also get dislocated.
Crushing
Crushing injuries are common with fire doors, as they exert a strong impact. If kids get their fingers or hands trapped along the hinge side of a closing door, it can cause deep tissue damage, even without breaking the skin.
Jamming
Kids can often get their hands or fingers trapped in the gaps of a door. Whether it’s out of curiosity or while closing or holding the door, the fingers can get tightly jammed, and it might lead to severe pain, swelling, and restricted movement.
Nail Injury
Nail injuries are again common and extremely painful. These require immediate medical attention, especially if there’s a splint or lifted fingernail.
Fractures
A significant force of a closing door can lead to fractures in little fingers. It can lead to short-term discomfort and even long-term damage.
Amputations
Finger entrapment injuries shouldn’t be taken lightly. Even if it is a minor sprain, cut, or fracture, partial or full amputation may be a possibility. Although it’s rare, it can happen and is highly traumatic for kids, as it can affect their confidence and their routine.
Most door finger injuries happen due to the unprotected hinge sides of the door. These are common with closing doors in classrooms, toilets, and staff-only areas, regardless of how supervised the areas are. Doors with unlatched hinges, tight frames, hydraulic closures, etc., can also pose a significant threat.
A durable door hinge guard can be an excellent physical barrier to close the gap between the door and its frame. It’s the area where fingers mostly get trapped. Therefore, installing good-quality guards can block access to the hinge side and prevent fingers or hands from reaching the danger zone.
If at all an accident occurs, you should quickly seek medical help and check for wear and tear on these guards and tighten safety protocols. This simple and cost-effective measure can do wonders and prevent emotional, physical, and legal consequences of a serious injury.
Injury prevention is not just about incorporating rules but also about physical safety. Therefore, understanding the types of finger entrapment injuries is the most important step to take when devising the right safety protocols. Installing sturdy door finger guards for schools is the second step in keeping those little fingers and hands safe every single day.