While serving as Executive Director of the New York City Fire Department,
Stephan Hittmann responded to a wide range of crises on local, national and international levels. Based in large measure on his experience with
FDNY, Stephan Hittmann leads the nonprofit 911 Fund with knowledge and skill in emergency services, while providing support to first responders around the world, and providing essential information to individuals and families who want to improve their personal safety.
Many injuries, including those that result in death or disability, can often be avoided, sometimes, in fact, quite easily. Among the countryâs most significant health problems, injury affects children and the elderly in particular. The 911 Fund offers a list of injury prevention tips for individuals of all ages to help reduce safety risks and health costs. Among these include:
1. Bike Safety: While cycling offers a fun experience at both the recreational and the professional level, certain safeguards can protect kids and adults alike from being hurt in accidents. To ensure optimal bike safety, Stephan Hittmann recommends always wearing a helmet that fits your head properly. Additionally, you should check your bike before riding to ensure that the tires have adequate air pressure and the brakes are working properly, obey traffic laws, stay on the right side of the road, walk your bike across the street and down hills, and slow down through curves. If you fall, tell an adult as soon as you can, as you may not immediately realize the extent of any injuries.
2. Skateboard and Scooter Safety: Much like biking, riding on skates, boards and scooters can be equally fun and dangerous. Always check your equipment before riding to ensure that it’s in proper working order; wear safety gear as necessary, such as helmets, knee and elbow pads and wrist guards; avoid riding on bumpy, wet or oily surfaces, as well as on busy streets; stay on the right side of the road; alert others when passing; and walk down steep hills. Before putting on skates or stepping onto a skateboard, make sure you know how to control your speed and how to turn and stop.
3. Swimming Safety: Pools, lakes and oceans provide a welcome respite on a hot day and a fun activity for an outing. Children and young adults, however, should make sure to always keep company while swimming, as the buddy system helps to dramatically reduce the risk of drowning. In addition, always check the depth of a pool or lake before swimming, and never jump or dive into water that’s less than 12 feet deep. Lastly, while ocean waves can be fun, they are often stronger than they appear, and rivers are best left alone entirely.
4. Senior Safety: Among the elderly, falls are the leading cause of injury, deaths and hospital admissions for trauma, as 87 percent of all fractures among seniors over the age of 65 are due to falls. Half of those who are hospitalized for hip fractures cannot live independently after their injuries, so preventing falls becomes particularly important as we age. Exercises to improve strength and balance, as well as home modifications such as grab bars and improved lighting, can help prevent falls for millions of seniors.
For more tips on injury prevention, visit
www.911fund.org.