IN 2025, BC Children’s Hospital emergency department recorded a 35 per cent increase in the number of visits for window or balcony fall-related injuries compared to the previous year (from 15 (2024) to 23 (2025)).

The province’s specialist pediatric hospital, along with partners BC Emergency Health Services and the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, are urging the public to take steps to reduce the risk of these often tragic incidents.

The consistent guidance to families and caregivers involves taking key actions including:

• Move furniture and planters – or anything that can be climbed on- away from windows. If possible, only open windows located out of a child’s reach.
• Supervise infants and childrennear windows and balconies. Don’t underestimate a child’s mobility. Children begin climbing before they can walk
• Install window locks on windows above the ground floor. Fasten windows so that they cannot open more than 10 centimetres wide. Ensure there’s a safety release, in case of fire. Bug screens are easily pushed out by children.
• Talk to your children, if age appropriate, about the dangers of opening or playing near windows, particularly on upper floors of a home or high-rise apartment.

“As an emergency department clinician, it is devastating to treat patients who have injuries sustained by window or balcony fall incidents. The impacts can be life-altering or ending, and the trauma that affects the entire family is significant. Taking simple steps today – move climbable objects, install window locks, talk to your children – could prove life-saving,” said Christy Hay, executive director, Clinical Service Delivery, BC Children’s.

While BC Children’s emergency department provides care to patients following these incidents, the first treatment these patients receive is often from the BCEHS paramedics who respond to the scene of the accident. Speaking about these injuries, Brian Twaites, BCEHS Paramedic Public Information Officer, said, “The weather is getting warmer, which means windows are being left open for better ventilation. Window screens will not prevent a fall and can also be easily pushed out. Install window guards or fasten windows so that they can’t open wider than 10 cm. Remember, screens are great for keeping the bugs out, but not for keeping children in.”

For further information, visit BC Children’s website’s Warm Weather Safety content.