By: Kathy Hubbard
As we are making plans for this weekend’s festivities, I want to take a few minutes of your time to talk about preventing injuries. Recently, I had the opportunity to ask Benjamin Pope, RN, EMT at Bonner General Health to weigh in on the subject of outdoor safety. Pope is the TSE (Time Sensitive Emergency System) Coordinator in the emergency department.
He said, “Most people have heard it over and over: wear a helmet, wear a life jacket. But what’s often missing is the why.
“We see head injuries across all age groups, but pediatric cases are always the most difficult. Adults can make informed decisions about risk, but children depend on those decisions being made for them—and the consequences can last a lifetime.
“Trauma is the leading cause of death and injury in children, and the most common injury, leading to significant morbidity and mortality, is traumatic brain injury. Helmets significantly reduce the risk and severity of these injuries. It doesn’t take a high-speed crash to cause a life-threatening injury. I’ve cared for a child who fell off a scooter on a sidewalk without a helmet, suffered a brain bleed, required intubation, and was Life Flighted. That was a preventable injury.
“We see similar misconceptions with life jackets, or personal flotation devices (PFDs). From my background in swift water rescue, including being a part of rescues and teaching rescue teams, I’ve seen firsthand how critical life jackets are, and how often small misunderstandings can lead to serious consequences.
“A life jacket is not guaranteed to save your life, but it dramatically improves your chances. For children especially, proper fit is essential. Life jackets are sized by weight, not just how they look.
“Another common issue is the type of PFD being used. Wakeboarding-style vests are designed to keep someone upright in the water, not necessarily to turn an unconscious person face-up. In an emergency, that difference can be fatal. I’ve cared for a child who drowned after losing consciousness because their life jacket didn’t keep their airway above water.”
Because so many accidents may occur far from emergency services, I asked Pope what everyone should know before heading out. “Two of the most valuable things anyone can do is take a CPR class and a Stop the Bleed course. These are relatively inexpensive and widely available, and they teach skills that truly save lives,” he said.
Why Stop the Bleed? “One of the most common mistakes I see is improper bleeding control. People often wrap a wound with towels or bulky dressings, which simply absorb blood while the person continues to hemorrhage. The key is direct, firm pressure – applied consistently – to stop the bleeding.
“CPR is equally important. High-quality chest compressions and effective rescue breaths can help maintain circulation to the brain and vital organs, significantly improving the chances of survival until help arrives.”
Pope said that few injuries are from rare events. “They’re from everyday situations where small precautions make big a big difference.”
People should be mindful when getting on or off a boat, they shouldn’t swim behind a running boat as it can shift into gear or cause carbon monoxide exposure. He said they often see injuries happen when people jump off bridges assuming it’s okay because others have done it.
“Conditions change, and unseen hazards can lead to serious trauma,” he said.
And he said that ATV and UTV rollovers, even at slow speeds, can result in significant injuries. “These incidents are more common than people expect, especially close to home where risk is often underestimated.”
Another pattern he mentioned is with speed and trail familiarity. “Many serious crashes occur when riders miss turns or are unfamiliar with the terrain.”
And then there are river floating injuries that happen with the river may appear calm but hidden rocks, submerged debris, and even barbed wire may be lurking under the surface. “Floating with your legs down increases the risk of lacerations and entrapment.”
Today, the takeaway is to wear a proper helmet, clothing, footwear and/or PFD for the activity. Don’t delay medical care after an accident. Pope said, “High-force injuries can cause internal damage even when symptoms aren’t obvious right away.”
He concluded, “Most of the serious injuries we see in the summer are preventable. A few simple precautions, taken consistently, can make the difference between a fun day outdoors and a life-changing emergency.”
Kathy Hubbard was a charter member of Bonner General Health Foundation. She can be reached at [email protected]. This article was written for publication in the Bonner County Daily Bee on July 1, 2026.