Abstract

Background: Childhood injuries are a global epidemic. Accidents resulting in childhood injury and death were first identified as a concern over a century ago. However, “accidents” leading to injury were not recognized as being predictable and preventable until more recently.

Objectives: To describe the worldwide epidemic of childhood injuries, and look at international successes in the field of injury prevention.

Methods: Literature pertaining to injury prevention was reviewed to describe the history of childhood injury prevention, guiding principles of injury prevention, successful strategies for prevention, and future directions.

Result and Conclusion: Through surveillance, evidence-based injury prevention initiatives, and multi-disciplinary collaboration, we anticipate further reduction in childhood injuries.

Keywords: Injury prevention, history, child, surveillance, strategies, accidents.

Graphical Abstract