One question could save your child’s life

Working in a pediatric emergency department, we unfortunately see the devastation and sadness when we care for a child who has suffered a gunshot wound. We see a child and family in pain, disheartened by the injury, and we wonder how this tragedy could have been prevented.

Is there an unlocked gun in your house?

This summer, many children will be enjoying visiting other children’s homes to play and have fun. Parents will ask all sorts of questions before their children visit others homes. One very important question to add to that conversation is this: “Is there an unlocked gun in your house?”

It’s a simple question that has the power to save a child’s life. The Asking Saves Kids (ASK) Campaign, created in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics, encourages parents to ASK that question to keep children safe.

Watch the ASK Campaign’s public service announcement:

Kids are curious

In America, 1.7 million live in a home with an unlocked, loaded gun. We also know that 3 in 4 children ages 5-14 know where firearms are kept in their home. As every parent knows, children are curious, and guns make for an irresistible temptation. We know that even in homes where gun safety has been discussed, children are tempted to touch, point, and even pull the trigger on a gun. We also know that all parents care about the safety of their children. ASK allows parents to play an active role in keeping their kid, and their kids’ friends safe. Any parent can make that difference by ASKing, and encouraging others to do the same.

So, before a child visits another’s home, just ASK! For more information, visit: askingsaveskids.org.

It’s all about keeping our children safe!

Marlene Melzer-Lange, MD Medical Director Emergency Services

Children's Wisconsin is the region's only independent health care system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children. In Milwaukee and throughout the state, we provide kids and their families a wide range of care and support — everything from routine care for ear aches or sore throats to life saving advances and treatment options.