December 2002

Youngsters urged to use their heads

Four years ago, Royal Children’s Hospital Director of Neurosurgery Dr Wirginia Maixner operated on David Simpson, 11, after he was airlifted to the hospital from Mt Buller.

David had sustained extensive head injuries as a result of a mountain bike accident.

Despite wearing a helmet that absorbed some of the impact of the fall, David’s injuries included a fractured skull, broken nose, leaking brain fluid, an eye socket fracture and broken wrist.

‘Had David not been wearing a helmet he probably wouldn’t be here with us today,’ Dr Maixner.

Each year, Dr Maixner operates on a number of patients who have sustained serious head injuries from bicycles, scooters and skateboards and she can’t urge parents and children enough about the importance of wearing a safety helmet.

‘You just can’t afford to gamble with your head, you only have one and a serious head injury can result in life time sentence.’

Dr Maixner—and David—took part in the launch of a community awareness campaign to encourage children and teenagers to wear Australian Standards-approved safety helmets when enjoying bicycle, scooter and skateboard recreational activities.

The launch—by Kidsafe in association with Rosebank Helmets and the Safety Centre at the Royal Children’s Hospital—coincided with the arrival of warmer weather and daylight savings when bicycle, scooter and skateboard accidents traditionally increase.

‘While some kids think that safety helmets are uncool, there’s certainly nothing cool about ending up in hospital,’said David.

‘If the choice is to look cool and risk death or wear a helmet, all kids should definitely choose the helmet.’