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Safety Tips
Dealing with emergencies
Often it is the first person on the scene who must deal with an emergency until help arrives. In life-threatening emergencies quick and clear thinking is required, as is the ability to remain calm.

Expect that a sick or injured child will be frightened and will look to you for reassurance. You will be more confident in your response if you are prepared. Complete a first aid course and update your skills regularly.
Police, fire brigade, ambulance telephone 000

The time to call for assistance is when you no longer feel comfortable dealing with a sick or injured child. It may be necessary to call the police, fire brigade or an ambulance. It is better to have them attend even if the emergency turns out to be less serious than you first thought.

Always act quickly but calmly.
The standard telephone number for all emergency services in Australia is 000. In country or remote areas the number may be different. Check well in advance, by contacting your local emergency service providers.
Keep emergency numbers (including family contacts) close at hand: near the telephone or stored in the telephone memory dialing facility. When going out carry the numbers with you and leave them with the babysitter.

Poisons Information Centre
Telephone 13 11 26

If you think a child has swallowed or inhaled a poison; spilt some on the skin; splashed it in the eye, or been stung by a venomous creature, telephone 13 11 26 (24 hour Australia wide number). See Poisoning Prevention.


First aid training
It is recommended that everybody, particularly those who care for children, complete first aid training.
  • First aid techniques for dealing with babies, children and adults are different.
  • Specialised paediatric (child) first aid based courses are conducted by the Safety Centre. (See Centre Services). For a listing of other first aid providers check the telephone directory, contact your local ambulance service or child safety organisation in your state.
  • It is important that you update your first aid training every year.
  • Place a resuscitation chart on the fridge and outdoors. Keep a first aid kit in the house and car. See Safety Products
  • Parents, grandparents and others who care for children should purchase a copy of the Royal Children's Hospital Safety and First Aid Book (Jennifer Brown & Tony Walker, Lothian Books)