New baby first aid course for Rockhampton parents

Rockhampton parents can now learn life-saving first aid skills for their babies with Australia’s largest maternity services provider offering the training course to local mums and dads for the first time.

The Mater Mothers’ First Aid for Babies course – delivered by experienced midwives and neonatal and paediatric nurses – launched in Rockhampton this week.

Mums, dads and grandparents with babies aged 0 – 12 months will learn life-saving first aid skills for resuscitation (CPR), choking, poisoning, burns, bleeding, fractures, allergic reactions, and respiratory illnesses in babies.

Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton Executive Officer Sue Thurbon said the Mater Mothers’ First Aid for Babies course, developed in conjunction with Mater Education, had only been offered in South East Queensland until now.

“The course equips parents and carers with first aid skills and practical knowledge to give them the confidence to respond and care for their baby in the event of an emergency,” Ms Thurbon said.

“Mater Education identified the need for regional families to access this course and I’m delighted that Rockhampton mums and dads will have the opportunity to learn these vital skills from some of Australia’s most experienced clinicians.”

Primary school teachers Katii Smith and Samantha Mooney have already signed up to participate in the course.

When Katii welcomed her daughter Rylee in November 2021, she was thrilled to discover her friend Samantha was also pregnant.

“I was so excited when I found out about Sam’s pregnancy – I knew that I would have another mum by my side, going through the same new challenges that I go through,” Katii said. 

“An added bonus was that she could come and do the course with me.”

Katii said there was limited information or courses in Rockhampton that specialised in baby first aid.

“This course will be able to accommodate our needs as new parents and help put our fears and worries at ease,” she said.

Samantha is currently 22 weeks pregnant with twins and aims to be prepared for any emergency when her babies arrive later this year.

The Mater Mothers’ First Aid for Babies course will be held monthly close to Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton at the Duhig Conference Centre, 147 West Street, Allenstown.

For more information or to register for the next Baby First Aid program in your area click here.