Shoreline Fire department and McDonalds team up against head injuries

By Melanie Granfors, Shoreline Fire
Shoreline firefighters and local McDonalds restaurants are teaming up for in an effort to educate children and families about preventing head/brain injuries this summer.

Did you know that bicycle-related injuries are a major cause of hospitalization for children ages 5-14? Do you know about the life-altering changes that can occur with impact to the head”?

And, did you realize that 75% of bicycle-related deaths involve a head/brain injury?

Children under the age of 14 can also suffer from devastating injuries when on skateboards, rollerblades, and scooters.

Wearing a safety helmet when “on wheels” can significantly reduce these injuries and save lives.

McDonalds and fire departments all over Western Washington are spreading this message with the annual Bicycle/Skate Board Safety Citation program. Fire personnel will be looking for children and teens who demonstrate safe riding habits – and especially for riders who are sporting a safety helmet.

Fire and emergency medical crews traveling around in their districts who see youngsters wearing their safety helmets will be issuing safety “citations” – which include a coupon for a free reduced fat vanilla ice cream cone at participating McDonalds in Shoreline.

Shoreline firefighters and McDonalds are a great team in this effort, and we look forward to congratulating lots of children and youth this summer for their protecting their heads!

Photo by mobikefed