Health officials: 31% increase in TV tip-over injuries over past decade

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Twin toddlers are recovering at Dayton Children's Medical Center after Clark County officials said a TV and dresser fell on top of them Monday morning.

The 18-month boy and girl were rushed onto a medical helicopter at the Troy Road apartment complex in German Township.  Neighbors said their mother discovered a 32-inch television and dresser on top of the twins and called 911.

"Unfortunately, its a common occurrence," said Lisa Schwing, who is the trauma program manager for Dayton Children's Medical Center. "Nationwide, there has been a 31% increase in TV "tip-over" injuries in the past decade.  Every 45 minutes a child visits the ER because of a TV tipping over."

Schwing said in 2012 Dayton Children's treated 35 kids for injuries due to a fallen television.  She added children 5-years-old and younger are most at risk for injury because they are smaller and most likely do not have the strength to remove the television.

"We recommend adults tether or mounting their flatscreen televisions to a wall and position larger televisions low to the ground.

"Do not put your television on top of a tall dresser," said Schwing.  "Keep the heavy stuff down low to prevent the furniture from tipping over and avoid opening multiple drawers at a time.  If you do you run the risk of offsetting that furniture and allow it to tip as well."

Schwing warned its also important to avoid placing objects on top of the television or console.

"Kids will play with anything or try to play with anything," said Schwing.  "A lot of times they are climbing to look for a remote, candy or something that might be on a shelf like a toy that has been taken away."

Schwing also shared  that  one in four adults take action to secure their television to a wall.  Kits can be found at any hardware store.