Families across Rockhampton will be able to start the new year with peace of mind, with Mater Education hosting its highly regarded First Aid for Babies course in 2023 at Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton.

The Mater Education First Aid for Babies course — delivered by experienced midwives and neonatal and paediatric nurses from Australia’s largest maternity services provider — launched in Rockhampton 12 months ago.

Mums, dads and grandparents with babies aged 0 – 12 months are able to 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 Midwife and First Aid for Babies Educator Sally Hillman said the course provided a fantastic overview for first-time parents or carers wanting to refresh their skills.

“Mater Mothers’ First Aid for Babies course is offered once a month and is for parents, grandparents or other loved ones who want to know what to do in case of an emergency, covering common emergency situations including resuscitation (CPR), choking, bleeding, fractures and more,” Ms Hillman said.

“Learning CPR for babies can be a little confronting as parents get hands-on experience with mannequins and having to push down on its little chest for the first time can be daunting. I believe the course is essential for anyone who is expecting a baby in their family to ensure they have the up to date knowledge and skills to provide emergency treatment if required.”

Mater Health Executive Director Donna Bonney said the First Aid for Babies course, developed in conjunction with Mater Education, had only been offered in South East Queensland until last year.

“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 Bonney said.

“Mater Education identified the need for regional families to access this course at the start of 2022 and I’m delighted that both Rockhampton and Townsville mums and dads have the opportunity to learn these vital skills from some of Australia’s most experienced clinicians.”

Mater Education also offers First Aid for Babies courses in:

• South Brisbane
• Springfield
• Redland
• Townsville

For more information or to register for First Aid for Babies, visit mater.li/first-aid-for-babies.