By Cat Valles, Vitals contributor

Hospital trauma department staff members see their fair share of bicycle-related accidents.

According to Pam Stoker, trauma prevention specialist at Sutter Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley, Calif., “Bike crashes and falls are very common.” The good news: “Helmets are 85% effective in preventing traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) when worn properly.”

Stoker said kids not wearing any helmet at all is, unfortunately, the most frequent pitfall she encounters – but just having a helmet doesn’t solve everything, it must be worn correctly in order to provide optimal protection.

“The most common issue is leaving the front of the forehead exposed,” she explained. “The helmet should fit level on the head with one to two finger widths above the eyebrow.”

All it takes is five to 10 minutes to properly fit a helmet for the first time. After that, Stoker said minor quick adjustments to the straps may be necessary but are quick and easy – and could save a life or prevent traumatic injury.

Education and proper fitting take center stage

At a recent Safe Kids Day Health & Safety Fair at the Oakland Arena at which the hospital gave away 500 free kids’ bicycle helmets (made possible by philanthropy through the generous support of donors in the Castro Valley area community) Stoker and nine hospital volunteers helped parents and kids properly fit their new helmets, which could then be personalized at a helmet decorating station.

Eden sponsored the annual event in which staff and hospital volunteers have been participating for more than 10 years.

Stoker, who has volunteered to do Safe Kids Day helmet fittings for six years, said that most parents and caregivers express gratitude for the helmets. Oftentimes, the helmet received during the event is the child’s first helmet, and the volunteers can help teach how to adjust the helmet as the child grows and when to get a bigger size.

“We provide education to both parents and kids on why and how to fit and wear the helmets. One common misconception is that they only need a helmet when riding a bike when, in actuality, it is required also for scooters, roller skates or blades, or skateboards.”

Wearing a helmet is required by law for children, but Stoker stressed that it is just as important for adults to wear a properly fitted helmet, adding that all helmets sold in the United States are certified to meet the safety standards for impact protection.

“A helmet’s whole job is to help protect your head and brain from injury, regardless of age – but simply wearing the helmet is not enough,” she cautioned. “It must properly fit in order to do its job.”

Eden is a Level II Verified Trauma Center recognized by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, and serves as the designated regional trauma center for southern Alameda County.