1 in 13 children will take a hospital visit for an injury this year¹

Of the childhood injuries that occur²:

• 1 in 2 occur at home or in someone else's home
• 1 in 3 at school
• 1 in 5 during sport

Thankfully, 80% are treated and discharged, while 20% result in hospital admission³

Most common cause of injury to children⁴:

• Falls - are the single largest cause of childhood injury
• Drowning - is the single biggest danger to children under 5 years of age
• Transport injuries - as a passenger in a motor vehicle or as a pedestrian, it is the second largest cause of childhood injury, and tend to be severe
• Bicycles - simply falling off a bicycle is a major cause of serious injury
• Scalds & burns - is a major cause of long term injury
• Choking & Suffocation⁵- is the fourth largest cause of death by injury in children under 4; and the leading cause of death by injury in children under 12 months
• Poisoning - is one of the most common hazards for young children

While accidental injury is not always preventable, our actions can significantly influence the severity and the comfort of the injured child.

What difference can I make?

Whilst most of us go about our lives believing we will remain untouched by tragedy, many others provide proof that things can and do happen to ordinary people, usually when we least expect it.

Mostly, we are surrounded by our family, friends or work colleagues - so chances are that if faced with an emergency situation, it may involve someone we care about.

Other people may not always be immediately around to help, and professional help will take time to arrive.

Sometimes the minutes make a difference. Knowing what to do allows each of us to be in a position to help make a difference to the outcome - often, to people we care about.

Learning first aid gives individuals the knowledge, skills and courage to act - at a time in our lives when doing something becomes critically important.

1. Monash university, Accident Research Centre, Child injury presentations by intent, Victoria 2006; and ABS 3235.0 Population by age and sex Regions of Australia 2008.
2. ABS, 1301.0 Year Book Australia, 2006.
3. Injury tables in H-e-C, based on 6,856 patients.
4. Kidsafe NSW, Ten most common Injuries to Australian Children, Aug 2009, www.kidsafensw.org/ten_most_common.htm
5. The University of NSW, Top 10 Leading Causes of Injury Death by age groups and injury Mechanism, NSW, 1998-2002.