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Parents advised against risking child injury during hospital surge

Posted at 8:50 PM, Mar 27, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-28 00:01:14-04

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Right now, many children are at home for extended periods of time. But doctors at Driscoll Children’s Hospital say as a parent, it’s important to make every effort to ensure your child avoids high-risk activities that could cause trauma or a fracture, especially during a time like this.

If children aren't careful jumping on a trampoline, riding scooters, or playing on the playground any of these activities could land them in the hospital.

Dr. Kathryn Wiesman of Driscoll Children’s Hospital says, “We’re taking care of every injury to the best of our ability.”

However, supplies and resources are limited according to Wiesman. She’s an orthopedic surgeon who is urging parents to make sure their children are careful when they’re playing outside.

“It would be very helpful if we can just avoid injuries in the first place," said Wiesman. "So that we can reserve PPE and operating rooms for emergency cases.”

Travis Wood, parent of two, took his little ones to the park on Friday afternoon.

“I always make sure they have their safety helmet and their elbow and knee pads, just in case they fall," said Wood.

He says it’s better to be safe than sorry and avoid a trip to the emergency room.

“You don’t want to clog up the hospitals right now with everything that’s going on, " said Wood. "They’re already taking on enough as it is, doctor and nurses.”

A reminder, doctors are still treating patients who come in with injuries. But Governor Abbott also issued an order last weekend, postponing or canceling any surgery that's considered non-essential.