Helmets are key to child safety

Citizen photo by Pamela Morello

Dylan Edelman, 6, pledged to always wear his new bicycle helmet.

About 14 years ago, the North Haven Fire Department responded to three bicycle accidents involving children in the span of one month, resulting in some serious injuries. The disturbing trend led to the development of the North Haven professional firefighters Bicycle Helmet Safety Program.

"We find personal ways to deal with the tragedies we see as firefighters," said Alan Riggs, professional firefighters bicycle safety chairman. "This is one way to use our experience in a positive way."

The program, now in its 13th year, began last week with a visit by the firefighters to all first grade classes in town. There, Riggs and other firefighters talked about the items a firefighter must wear to remain safe while doing their job. They then compared that to what bicyclers should wear to remain safe, namely, a helmet. Safety concerns have increased across the board with more awareness about the importance of wearing seatbelts, having air bags, as well as recognizing the efforts of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD).

"People are more aware of the need for safety," Riggs said, "and we want to inspire kids to take a personal role in their own safety."

In talking with pediatricians and educators, the fire department found that first grade students were the best audience to target, and Riggs said that the students respond well to them. The kids are old enough to understand the message, and young enough to imprint that message on them, Riggs said.

Each first grader, about 300 in all, were given a coupon for a free bicycle helmet, which they picked up at the firehouse last Saturday. Another pick up date is scheduled for this Saturday, Sept. 27, between 9 a.m. and noon.

There, the students sign a bicycle safety pledge to always wear a helmet when they ride. The adults that accompany them pledge to encourage their children to ride safely, and the North Haven firefighters pledge to protect the safety of all the town's children. In addition to a free helmet, the students received an official North Haven firefighter T-shirt, and a picture of themselves in front of a fire truck.

"What we're trying to achieve here is compliance," Riggs said. "Most of the kids probably already have a helmet, but this one becomes special because it's from the firefighters."

The helmets were fitted to each child by a team of occupational therapy students from Quinnipiac University. Nicole Fuller, a sophomore, said helmets should fit snugly on the child's head and not wobble. The straps should fit tight under the chin, and the helmet should sit on the top of the head, with only two fingers being able to fit between the top of the child's eyebrows and the helmet.

Junior Kaitlyn LeFebvre said their participation in the event was part of the service learning portion of the occupational therapy program. Quinnipiac professor Tracy Vanoss, who is involved in the Safe Kids organization, which strives to prevent unintentional childhood injury, encouraged the students to lend a hand with the event.

"It's a good way to make sure all kids have a helmet," LeFebvre said. "It's an event where kids will see that their friends have one and it makes them want to wear it too."

All of the bicycle helmets were purchased locally, Riggs said, with money from the firefighters' fundraising efforts, and help from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

"For us, they have been a great corporate neighbor," Riggs said. "Their outreach goes beyond their business."

Blue Cross has been involved in the program for several years, as it fits with the company's mission to improve the lives of those they serve and the health of the community.

"This program is having a positive impact on our community, and North Haven is our home town," said Jim Augur, Anthem vice president.

Stop by fire headquarters, 11 Broadway, on Saturday, Sept. 27, with your first grader's coupon to pick up a new bicycle helmet. The event will be from 9 a.m. to noon.