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Hazards in the home

The home can be a dangerous place for an inquisitive child and parents need to be prepared

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Baby CPR classes at Annerley, taught by Joyce Moir (below, right).Photo: Jonathan Wong

Accidents happen every day, and children, being naturally curious and often oblivious to danger, are especially vulnerable. Yet few parents in Hong Kong have an understanding of basic emergency first aid. "Most people think [mistakenly] nothing life-threatening will happen to their children."

That's the view of Jackie Simpson, first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) instructor at First Aid Plus.

"When I teach domestic helpers, I always ask them what their employer has told them to do if the child they are looking after has a life-threatening condition. Most of them say their employer has never discussed it with them, or has said to call them if anything happens, but they don't say what to do if the helpers can't reach them on their mobile phone, which happens often."

This mindset could explain why Simpson says the paediatric course at First Aid Plus is among the least popular.

The child is already scared. They are looking to you to save them and care for them.

Almost 25 per cent of injuries to children in Hong Kong under the age of 14 occur in the home, 82 per cent of which involve children under four, according to an Injury Survey for the Health Department published in 2008.

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