The parents of a girl seriously injured during a fall at an after-school care program in Surrey want answers about what happened and are calling for better first aid training for workers.
Aria Court’s parents told CTV News that on Jan. 23, their daughter fell from the highest point of the playground equipment while attending a city-run before- and after-school care program at Ellendale Elementary.
Her dad got a call from staff about the accident, saying she needed to be picked up.
“I asked, ‘Is everything OK?’ and they said they weren’t allowed to assess,” said Aria’s dad, Matthew Court.
“We were thinking … ‘Oh, she fell, maybe she scraped her knee,’” explained Chantal Murray, Aria’s mom.
But family immediately noticed significant swelling of her leg and took her to Surrey Memorial Hospital.
“That’s when we found out she broke her femur completely in half and had to be rushed to (BC) Children’s (Hospital) for emergency surgery,” said an emotional Murray, adding that her daughter continues to need a wheelchair to get around.
Aria’s mom said a witness later told them Aria was crying out for help and asking for a doctor.
“They made her get up and walk on her leg,” her mom said.
A Fraser Health investigation found two violations, including that when the girl fell, appropriate first aid was not given.
The report says the failure to fully assess the child “resulted in a delay of the child receiving the proper and prompt care they required.”
Fraser Health also found that although the parents were told the girl fell, “they were not informed of the injury or the seriousness of the injury incurred.”
“(Aria) went from being a completely fearless, independent child to being scared of everything,” said a tearful Murray.
“That’s really the worst part, taking something like that away from her,” Aria’s dad added, as he wiped away tears.
In a statement to CTV News, the City of Surrey Parks, Recreation and Culture department said it has “fully co-operated with Fraser Health’s investigation” and “undertaken an internal review of the incident.”
“With our steadfast dedication to maintaining safe environments, we are implementing all necessary measures as identified by Fraser Health,” the city added.
Fraser Health confirmed the concerns raised in its investigation have been addressed and notes that all child-care workers “are required to hold a valid first aid and CPR certificate from a qualified course, which includes the demonstration and examination of relevant skills.”
Fraser Health said: “We were sorry to hear that this child was injured and hope for their quick recovery.”
But Aria’s parents, who are pursuing legal action, are calling for better first aid training for daycare workers to ensure better care when kids get hurt.
They said the accident has been devastating for their daughter, who has been unable to attend school.
“(Doctors) had to wire her leg back together and she’s going to have to get another surgery to remove the wires in about six months. She’s having to do physio every two days. She’s suffering from PTSD,” said Murray.
Aria’s mom also said her daughter continues to have nightmares.
“She wakes up screaming and crying and talking about falling,” said Murray.
Aria’s mom quit her job to care for her child after the fall and her father was recently laid off, meaning they are losing all their benefits.
A fundraiser has been set up to help the family.
Updates on Aria’s progress can be found through a Facebook page called “Aria Court’s Recovery.”
