Did you know in 2008 six children were admitted in Jersey's hospital because of a finger crush injury and 2 in 2009.
Small fingers easily fit into the door hinge - the most common place for fingers to get crushed in doors.
An increasing number of children are being admitted into hospital because of this injury with fractures, wounds or amputations.
What can you do to reduce this risk?
House doors
- Door jam - a foam 'C' shape that fits on the top of the door to stop it fully closing. It's cheap and does exactly what it says on the packet. But you do need to remember to remove it when not needed because your doors should be shut to prevent the risk of a fire spreading.
- Sliding door jam - a gadget that easily fits onto a patio or glass sliding door. A soft foam small hammer swings into the door space so it can not be closed fully. If you want to close it you lift the hammer and shut the door. Easy!
- Plastic hinge protector - a plastic cover that is screwed to the door and doorway completely covering the hinge. This comes in various sizes and allows the door to be opened and closed with the device left in place at all times but the hinge always covered.
Car doors
- Take care when shutting the car door - fingers usually get squashed in the door lock & handle side. It usually happens when the person shutting the door is in a hurry and little fingers dive back in to get something or are just not quick enough to move out of the way.
