Preventing Pediatric Window Falls-Initiating Research and Mobilizing Community

Key Investigator: Brian Johnston, M.D., M.P.H.
University of Washington Department of Pediatrics
Funding Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

When temperatures rise, pediatricians at Harborview Medical Center anticipate one of summer’s tragedies-children falling out of windows. On average, Harborview admits more than 25 children injured from falls each season. Even more surprising is that many cases involve children falling out of windows covered by screens.

Last summer, Dr. Brian Johnston, chief of pediatrics at Harborview and a center investigator went on the offensive. With the help of regional media, he participated in a series of news stories aimed at warning families of the risk of window falls and what can be done to prevent them. In October, he took the message further by organizing a public conference to develop prevention strategies, including the formation of an expert coalition with advocates from public health and safety, manufacturing, and housing and construction.  Dr. Johnston has secured funding for a research effort to test the effectiveness of a window safety device. With the project now underway, findings are expected in 2010.