For the Christmas and new year school holiday period for 2013-14, Mount Isa Hospital saw 14 cases of children with minor head injuries, eight wrist sprains, six splinters of the ankle and foot, and six open scalp wounds. 

Emergency department senior medical officer Ulrich Orda said parents needed to help to reduce the risk of injuries to children. “There is no question that kids need to get out in the great outdoors, explore, have fun and just be kids,” Dr Orda said 

“But there are some simple things parents can do to reduce the risks of painful or serious injuries that persist long after the tinsel has been packed away.

“One of the great danger periods is when toys are new and children are learning to perfect their skills and balance.

“This is also the time when parents and well-meaning gift-givers can establish good ground rules – by packaging all necessary safety gear in with the present.”

Legislation requires helmets for bikes to be worn, but it is often forgotten with skateboards, scooters and roller blades. 

Dr Orda said studies showed wearing safety gear helped to reduce injuries. 

“If it has wheels, it needs a helmet and other protective equipment such as knee and elbow pads and protective clothing,” he said. “When you buy anything with wheels – buy a helmet and other protective gear.

“Studies around the world show that helmet wearing leads to an almost 90 per cent reduction in the risk of serious head injury when bicycle riders are involved in an accident.”