Injury-prevention counselling OSCE — restraints, helmets and safe storage

Objectives

1. Identify premature adult-belt use and prescribe a booster with belt-fit rationale. [1] [3]
2. Counsel helmet use for scooter/bike rides with evidence-linked rationale. [6]
3. Address firearm access at grandparents’ home with storage triad counselling. [11] [13]
4. Use non-judgemental language and teach-back. [1]

Candidate brief

12-minute station. Parents present; child is well. No acute injury. Cover car, wheels and home lethal means. [1]

Expected actions

• Open with partnership: you want a practical plan that fits real life. [1]
• Map current restraint: stage, seat position, belt fit. Recommend booster in rear seat until fit criteria met. [1] [3]
• Explain booster biomechanics in plain language (belt on hips and shoulder, not belly and neck). [3]
• Helmet every scooter/bike ride; check fit concept; replace after big hits. [6]
• Ask about all homes the child visits; counsel locked, unloaded, separate ammunition at grandparents’. Offer to help parents start that conversation. [11] [13]
• Prioritise one change if overwhelmed; arrange resources (technician, helmet programme). [1]
• Teach-back and document. [1]

Marking

Pass: correct booster advice, helmet counsel, firearm storage triad, non-shaming tone, teach-back. [1] [11]
Fail: endorsing adult belt/front seat for age 5; ignoring helmets; skipping firearm question; accusatory style. [1] [13]