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16 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • June 2021 INTERVIEWED BY EMILY FREEHLING A er a year of virtual learning, drive-by birthday par es and cancelled sports seasons, children and parents are long overdue for a fun-fi lled summer. Mary Washington Healthcare wants that summer to be happy, healthy and injury- free. As the region's only Level II Trauma Center, Mary Washington Hospital's trauma team has fi rst-hand knowledge of the biggest causes of injury, and proac vely off ers resources to the community to prevent them. Mary Washington Healthcare's Trauma Educator, Injury Preven on and Outreach Coor- dinator, Jessica King, MBA, MSN, RN, off ers these reminders to help set your family up for safe summer fun. Have peace of mind in knowing that our trauma center is here for you if the need arises—but we'd rather see you spending your me making memories with family and friends. BICYCLES With more children on bikes during the day as school hours shi ed during the pandemic, healthcare providers saw an increase in bicyclists being struck by cars. Many SUVs are high enough that the driver cannot see a child on a bike over the hood. Increased use of smart- phones by both automobile drivers and bicyclists only increases the risk. Teach children safe biking prac ces, and always wear a helmet. "The most common injury we see on bikes is the handlebar injury, where kids go over the handlebars on the front of the bike," King said. "This typically causes bleeding, and parents and kids can prepare themselves by learning how to control bleeding un l emergency personnel arrive." Mary Washington Healthcare off ers "Stop the Bleed" classes in the community where individuals can learn the life-saving skills of iden fying severe bleeding and using pressure, tourniquets and other techniques to control it while wai ng for help to arrive. For more informa on about trauma care at Mary Washington Hospital, visit trauma.mwhc.com. Mary Washington Healthcare o ers tips on preventing common injuries Play Safely This Summer Play Safely This Summer