Injury Prevention Progams
Catawba County EMS is committed to working with the community to guide safer and healthier lifestyles. We offer prevention programs for both children and adults in schools, daycares, churches, and civic organizations.
Injury Prevention Program Request Form
Car Seat Installation Classes
Road injuries are the leading cause of preventable deaths and injuries to children in the U.S., and 73% of car seats are not installed correctly. Catawba County EMS teaches car seat installation classes to parents, grandparents, or other caregivers. To request a class, complete our online request form or contact Melanie Sigmon at (828) 464-1575.
Car Seat Diversion Program
If you have received a ticket for a child restraint violation, you are eligible 1 time to have that ticket diverted by visiting one of the car seat diversion locations throughout the county (listed below). This is by appointment only! You must bring the citation, the child, the correct carseat, and the vehicle ticketed. Contact these locations directly to schedule your appointment.
| CVMC Health First Center | (828) 732-6206 |
| Hickory Fire Department | (828) 323-7420 |
| Claremont Fire Department | (828) 459-9296 |
| Catawba County EMS | (828) 464-1575 |
| Early Childhood Education Center | (828) 695-6595 |
Distracted Driving Prevention for Young Drivers
Car Crashes are the leading cause of death for teens. Many of these crashes can be prevented by avoiding distractions while driving. Catawba County EMS partners with Safe Kids Catawba County to teach young drivers how to avoid driving distractions and make good choices behind the wheel. We are leading our youth by example so we must make sure we are modeling responsible driving behaviors! To request a program, complete our online request form or contact Melanie Sigmon at (828) 464-1575.
Bike Safety
Head injuries are one of the leading causes of death and disability in children. A properly fitted helmet, worn correctly, greatly reduces these risks. We encourage children to wear a helmet any time they are on a bike, scooter, skateboard, or skates. Please remember that accidents can happen anywhere, even in your driveway. To request a program, complete our online request form or contact Melanie Sigmon at (828) 464-1575.
Fall/Playground Safety
This program talks to children about paying attention to where they are walking and playing, not leaving things in walkways, and how to spot dangers on a playground. Children will learn what they can do to be safe when they play. To request a program, complete our online request form or contact Melanie Sigmon at (828) 464-1575.
Water Safety
Water activities can be a great way to beat the heat and get exercise. We teach children safety around pools, lakes, ponds, and even bathtubs. To request a program, complete our online request form or contact Melanie Sigmon at (828) 464-1575.
The Pillowcase Project
The Pollowcase Project is a Red Cross Disaster Preparedness program that is intended for 5th graders. This program teaches kids how to prepare for and react in things like fires and hurricanes. The students will receive information to share with those in their household as well as a pillowcase they can decorate and learn to pack in the case of an emergency. To request a program, complete our online request form or contact Melanie Sigmon at (828) 464-1575.
Prepare with Pedro
Prepare with Pedro is a Red Cross Disaster Preparedness program that is intended for 1st graders. This program teaches kids how to prepare for and react in things like fires and hurricanes. The students will receive information to share with those in their household as well as a book to take home and read when they want to. To request a program, complete our online request form or contact Melanie Sigmon at (828) 464-1575.
File of Life: Why Do I Need One?
The File of Life is a simple form a person can fill out for healthcare providers in the case of emergencies. This program talks about what information we need and why we need it. To request a program, complete our online request form or contact Melanie Sigmon at (828) 464-1575.
Fall/Fire Prevention
Among older adults, falls are a leading cause of death from intentional injuries. Fires in the home can cause permanent disability or death. Our program aims to teach how to prevent injuries in your home so you may live safely there as long as possible. To request a program, complete our online request form or contact Melanie Sigmon at (828) 464-1575.
Poison Prevention
Things we have in our homes, if used incorrectly, can become a poison with serious side effects. Medications, if used incorrectly, can also cause problems. This program helps to identify possible poisons in the home and how we can avoid accidental poisonings. To request a program, complete our online request form or contact Melanie Sigmon at (828) 464-1575.