In 1950, injuries resulting from accidents – like poisoning and choking – was the leading cause of death for children. The AAP Board decided to establish a Committee on Accident Prevention (COAP) after consulting with Dr. George Wheatley (AAP President 1960-61), who, two years prior, published an editorial in Pediatrics calling for pediatricians to “...approach accidents with the same inquiring mind that we bring to the study of disease.” The Committee met for the first time at the Annual Meeting in October 1950 with Dr. Wheatley serving as the first Chair.
In 1954, the Committee established a Subcommittee on Accidental Poisoning, which promoted the establishment of poison control centers. In 1976, this Subcommittee merged with COAP to become the Committee on Accident and Poison Prevention (COAPP). In 2011, the Committee evolved into the Council on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention we know today.
“All children should grow up in a safe environment." - Policy Statement on Injury Prevention, 1983
COIVPP’s mission remains the same as the day it was founded – to decrease injuries to children through education and communication to the public and clinicians. The Council’s advocacy work includes identifying leading causes of injury, developing policy and resources, educating and engaging the pediatric community, and collaborating with partner organizations.
Committee on Accident Prevention, 1966
"Obedience Means Safety for Your Child" Pamphlet by the Accident Prevention Committee
This pamphlet, published in 1960, explored the role of obedience in keeping children safe, calling obedience a “childhood skill and responsibility”.
First Aid Chart, 1972
TIPP Safety Sheet, Early Childhood Years, One to Two Years, 1989
The Injury and Prevention Program (TIPP) launched in 1983. TIPP is an educational program for parents of children (newborn to 12 years) to prevent injuries from motor vehicles, bicycles, fire in the home, burns, falls, poisoning, and more.
The program is comprised of three major elements:
- A policy statement on injury prevention approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics,
- Childhood Safety Counseling Schedules for early and middle childhood, and
- A package of materials consisting of safety surveys and safety information sheets for use in providing anticipatory guidance to parents and children.
TIPP Packet, 1983
The policy included in the first TIPP packet in 1983.
Framingham Safety First Survey
A survey included in the first TIPP packet in 1983.
Physician's Resource Guide for Bicycle Safety Education, 1990
This Physician’s Resource Guide for Bicycle Safety Education (1990) was a part of TIPP and included information on bicycle helmets, choosing the right size bicycle for your child, tips for getting your child to wear a helmet, and more.
Spread from Physician’s Resource Guide for Bicycle Safety Education, 1990
Spread from Physician’s Resource Guide for Bicycle Safety Education, 1990
Family Shopping Guide to Car Seats, 1991
In 1980, COIVPP was instrumental in rolling out the “First Ride, Safe Ride” campaign.
The first three years focused on:
- ensuring every newborn’s first ride home from the hospital was in an approved infant car seat, and
- advocating for the passage of child restraint laws.
AAP chapters, car seat manufacturers, EXXON, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) supported the program. EXXON provided funding to produce a series of brochures, and the NHTSA awarded numerous grants to help sponsor chapter participation, newsletters, and resources.
“First Ride, Safe Ride” was so successful that the program was expanded and renamed “Make Every Ride…A Safe Ride”. Ultimately the program led to all US states passing child passenger safety laws by 1985.
The program’s most widely distributed brochure was the “Family Shopping Guide to Car Seats,” shown here.
The AAP remains committed to child passenger safety. In 2018, COIVPP released a policy statement outlining the best practice recommendations for child passenger safety.
Last Updated
05/06/2024
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics