I Got Caught!

I Got Caught!I Got Caught! is an Iowa Health System community outreach education program providing free helmet safety education for Iowa children 2 to 13 years of age, in an effort to prevent brain and spinal cord injuries.

 I Got Caught! emphasizes:

  • Always wear a helmet when participating in contact sports and when rollerblading, riding a motorcycle, snowmobile,  skateboard, ATV, or bicycle.   
  • Always wear your seat belt.
  • Check the depth of water and check for objects below the surface before you jump or dive.
  • Avoid situations with potential for violence.
  • Play safely

The Numbers
Annually an estimated 500,000 individuals receive brain and spinal cord injuries in the United States.  Each year more than 800 bicyclists are killed and another 55,000 are injured. Young Iowans are at high-risk for these devastating injuries, many of which are preventable by wearing a helmet. During a crash, a properly worn helmet will reduce the risk of death or injury.  Statistics have shown that helmets reduce the risk of a traumatic brain injury by as much as 88%.

I Got Caught Presentations
The I Got Caught! program educates young Iowans about injury prevention during 45-minute presentations at elementary and middle schools.  The presentation includes a movie, a talk by a VIP (Voice for Injury Prevention) speaker who shares with the children what it's like to have a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, and a few fun demonstrations to encourage bike safety. 

Free helmets, helmet fittings and bike rodeos are also available in conjunction with I Got Caught!

Schedule a Program for Your School
For more information about I Got Caught! or to schedule a program for your school, please call 319-226-2155.

You may also contact us by email:

Chad Thomas
Program Director
thomascr@ihs.org

Angela Holman
Program Co-Coordinator
holmanam@ihs.org

Holly Karr
Program Co-Coordinator
karrha2@ihs.org

Bike and Helmet Resources

Working with Iowa Law Enforcement Agencies
The I Got Caught program takes a step further by offering a unique reinforcement element.  Iowa law enforcement agencies, including police, sheriff and officers from the Department of Natural Resources, have partnered with the program to "ticket" safety conscious children. Children "caught" wearing a life jacket, bike helmet, or making other safe choices are issued a mock citation by an officer. The citation includes a sticker, a coupon for a free Frosty from Wendy's, and a chance to register to win a new bike.

 Program Partners