Getting injured may seem just a part of life. Every one of us has at least stubbed our toe on furniture, or slipped and fallen. However, it is important to remember that many injuries are preventable.
Dr. Kelsey Louie, who is from Tla'amin First Nation, shared the wise advice his father once gave him: “The most dangerous time in life is when you're having fun. When you're out horsing around with friends, that's when you can get injured and so caught up in the enjoyment that you don't realize you're vulnerable."
Awareness—the presence of mind to stop and think about the risks of what you're doing—is fundamental to injury prevention. In my own life, and as a physician having seen so many preventable injuries, I take precautions whenever possible.
If I'm cycling, I wear a helmet. If I'm on the water, I wear a life jacket. And of course, we all know that we should always wear seatbelts when in motor vehicles and remain within the speed limits. By being prepared and thinking ahead, we can reduce the risk of injuries.
In British Columbia, injuries are a major public health concern—and many are preventable. According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, injuries are the leading cause of death for individuals aged 10 to 44.. Research has also shown that due to the ongoing impacts of colonialism—including poverty, less access to healthcare, and unsafe living conditions, First Nations people may be especially at higher risk to injury.
Trish Feeny, who is Heiltsuk from Bella Bella, shared a story about a minor, but preventable, accident she had.
“The folding steps on our travel trailer were stuck and I couldn't pull them down," she said. “I should have been more careful and gotten my husband to do it, but I was impatient and stepped out without the folding steps, misjudging how far down it was. I twisted my knee and ended up with pain and swelling for a good three weeks!"
There are many proactive measures First Nations community members can take to ensure safety for themselves and others. These include using personal protective equipment where appropriate (e.g., when participating in certain sports or operating vehicles such as motor vehicles, boats, or snowmobiles) as well as being aware of everyday risks like falls, and ensuring household chemicals / cleaners are stored out of reach of children.
At the FNHA, we recognize the importance of culturally grounded approaches to injury prevention, such as integrating traditional knowledge and community-led education. One example is the FNHA's Aboriginal Head Start On-Reserve (AHSOR) program, which includes injury prevention within a holistic wellness approach and raises awareness about injury risks and prevention strategies, ensuring that information is shared in ways that are meaningful and relevant to First Nations families.
Have fun this summer, and enjoy the lands in all their beauty! But also remember to be aware of the risks and take what steps you can take to prevent injury.
Following are some links to helpful injury-prevention resources.
