New Parent First Aid Information Kit

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. The Minister for Health, Hon John Hatzistergos MLC announced on 17 September 2005 that, 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. After the first year of life, injury is the leading cause of death and second most common cause of hospitalisation for children. The kits will also act as a useful reference guide for identifying safety hazards around the home. 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. The kit will be distributed to all public hospital maternity units across the state during October 2005.

Email: bheil@doh.health.nsw.gov.au