17 September 2005

New parents given information to help save lives

Parents of new babies born in NSW public hospitals will now be equipped with important, up-to-date information about children's first aid and safety, NSW Minister for Health John Hatzistergos announced today.

Before leaving hospital, parents will receive a newly developed information kit that will enable them to assist an injured or sick child between birth and five years of age in an emergency.

Mr Hatzistergos said that after the first year of life, injury was the leading cause of death and second most common cause of hospitalisation for children.

"Just being aware of basic first aid techniques and ways to make their home child-safe, parents can potentially save lives and prevent serious injuries.

"These new kits will give parents the information they need to prepare, in case their child faces serious illness or is involved in an accident, and will act as a useful reference guide for identifying safety hazards around the home as their children grow," he said.

The information kits include:

• Common causes or indicators of sudden injury and illness and accompanying first aid information
• A step-by-step guide outlining actions to take in an emergency
• Useful tips on how to create a safe environment for your child from birth to five years
• A fridge magnet displaying emergency contact information
• An easy reference guide for further information sources and first aid courses.

The kit has been developed by a range of expert health organisations including NSW Health, the Ambulance Service of NSW, Sydney Children's Hospital and Children's Hospital at Westmead, Royal Hospital for Women, Australian Red Cross and St John's Ambulance.

Several focus groups were also held with new parents to ensure the information in the kit is clear, practical and easy to follow.

The kit will be distributed to all public hospital maternity units across the state and the information will be available from next month.

Mr Hatzistergos emphasised that the best and safest action for parents to take if there is an emergency is always to call 000 for urgent ambulance assistance, or in the case of a poisoning, call the Poisons Information Line on 13 11 26.

He said having a basic knowledge of first aid techniques will greatly assist parents to act quickly and follow instructions from 000 operators in the case of an emergency.

Mr Hatzistergos also said the information kit is not a substitute for a first aid course.

"Receiving practical instruction through an accredited first aid course should also be a priority for a new parent.

"Any extra steps parents can take to further their own knowledge of first aid and illness will not only increase their own peace of mind, but could help to reduce the severity of any injury or illness their child might suffer," he said.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au