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Objective: To quantify the extent of proper local child restraint system (CRS) use and to better understand changes to the level of self-reported confidence with increased CRS installations. With the goal being to improve safety for children travelling in personal vehicles across London, ON and the region. Methods: Public CRS clinics were initiated by Injury Prevention staff after they obtained the Child Passenger Safety Technician certification. Additionally, an online survey was commissioned targeting Ontario parents who had installed at least one CRS in the last five years. Results: From September 2018 to September 2019, 96 comprehensive CRS checks were performed, with 29% of systems found to be installed correctly. Survey results showed a high level of reported confidence with CRS installation (N = 514, 70% female, 43% one child). Parents who had installed only one CRS reported higher confidence in their first install, compared to parents who had installed two or more systems. Conclusions: The error rate with CRS installation and use seen in London, Ontario and the region, is similar to that reported in previous research. Survey results showed high levels of self-reported confidence in CRS use, especially for parents who have installed only one CRS. There presents a need to better understand the root cause of the discrepancy between level of confidence and proper CRS use and to expand our understanding of CRS knowledge retention and transferability to subsequent systems.

Pediatric physicians and motor vehicle safety experts have been advocating for change in child passenger restraint practices for decades. As professional recommendations evolve to support extended rear-facing restraint, actual practices remain disparate. We report a case of pediatric cervical spine fracture due to motor vehicle collision, an uncommon, yet predictable, pattern of injury for which prevention education is undoubtedly preferable to managing the consequences of premature forward-facing in vulnerable pediatric patients. Currently, 9 kg is a minimum legal standard for forward-facing child restraint system use in Ontario, rather than a recommended transition time. We advise that parents should be counselled on the benefits of rear-facing as long as possible and discuss realistic transition times using their child restraint system manual as a reference, with the goal of approaching, but not exceeding, the maximum weight, height and fit requirements for optimal safety.

This case study examines the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) efforts over the past 3 years through #StillServing, a movement to highlight the stories and voices of veterans who continue to serve their communities in various ways, provide avenues for communities to coalesce around volunteerism, and attract younger generations for a wider range of engaged veterans. With an overarching goal to amplify the perception of the VFW as a place for dedicated veterans of all stripes to continue their service to country and their communities, the campaign spotlights men and women who exemplify the best of what it means to be a VFW member through storytelling emphasizing diversity, tenacity, and an enduring commitment to serve. Informed by findings from individual interviews conducted with a diverse group of U.S. military veterans, targeted messages with specific calls to action were developed for younger veterans. The association sought to take advantage of the most relevant and effective media to share its message while ultimately encouraging the veteran and military community to share their own stories of continued service through #StillServing. The case shares lessons learned from the campaign's iterative approach and offers creative, tested strategies for other programs seeking to engage younger generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]