Patterns of injury for institutional residents of differing levels of mental retardation were investigated with 140 mildly, moderately, severely, and profoundly retarded individuals. Moderately and profoundly mentally retarded persons were found to be much more at risk for personal injury than were mildly or severely mentally retarded individuals.…

Guidelines for first aid procedures for temporary relief of dental emergencies include information on: (1) dental first aid supplies; (2) treatment of oral injuries; (3) orthodontic emergencies; (4) toothaches; and (5) prolonged bleeding due to an extraction. Consulting a dentist as soon as possible is strongly recommended. (JN)

This article provides teachers with an overview on tort liability as it applies to their profession, especially in relation to student injuries. Such legal concepts as tort, negligence, and in loco parentis are discussed and guidelines are drawn from selected court cases. (SJL)

With the growing popularity of sports among children, attention must be given to the increased number of eye injuries associated with mass participation. (SBH)

Studied the dimensions that underlie family coping with head injury by replicating and extending an earlier study. Identified two dimensions: (1) using social support versus cognitive coping; and (2) head injury--focused coping versus family tension management. Results provide additional evidence regarding the structure of family coping across…

The Accident Frequency-Severity Chart (AFSC) is a tool for correctly assessing and appropriately coping with risks inherent in adventure programs. The AFSC helps to measure risk frequency (likelihood of loss) and severity (amount of loss) of specific outdoor activities. The AFSC can also be used to compare safety records of outdoor activities and…

Reports a study that examined how knowledgeable certified athletic trainers were about HIV/AIDS and that investigated their attitudes toward treating the injuries of HIV-positive athletes. Surveys indicated that they were moderately knowledgeable and had constructive attitudes. Their major concern was fear of HIV transmission. (SM)

Investigated enforcement patterns and athlete compliance with the National Collegiate Athletic Association rule requiring the wearing of mouthguards in men's collegiate ice hockey games during one season. Surveys of athletic trainers indicated that the use of mouthguards in competition was not consistently enforced by athletic trainers, coaches,…

As schools try to do more with less, many PTAs are working with school officials to help improve the school environment. Playground safety is one area where PTAs can make a difference. For example, PTAs can work with schools to schedule volunteers to help with recess supervision. They can also teach children the rules of the playground and how to…

The article summarizes a series of articles concerning acquired cerebral trauma. Reviewed are technological advances, treatment, assessment, potential innovative therapies, long-term outcome, family impact of chronic brain injury, and prevention. (DB)

The role of the school psychologist in the prevention of injuries to children is discussed. Targets, methods, and tactics of injury prevention are considered, and some examples of prevention programs are presented. (SLD)

A framework is presented for intervention with families of traumatic brain injured patients. Described are family assessment strategies; levels of intervention (permission, limited information, specific suggestions, and intensive therapy); and intervention techniques in the areas of family education, counseling, marital/sexual counseling, family…

Described is an individual-placement supported-employment program for persons with traumatic brain injury. A referral pool of 32 persons is analyzed in terms of demographics, neuropsychological test performance, occupational history, occupational status, etc. Also described are program procedures, data management systems, and the role of…

Notes that infants and toddlers are particularly vulnerable to hazards around the home or child-care center. Explains how caregivers can protect children from the potential hazards of buckets and bathtubs; buttons, balloons, and bottle caps; stoves and heaters; firearms; stairs and stools; medicines, cleaners, and paint; cords; doors; and other…