Following success in the Northern Territory, CareFlight expanded its Infant Care Workshop and Sick and Injured Kids in the Bush programs into Victoria last year, delivering a number of courses across the region.
Building on this momentum, the aeromedical organisation returned earlier this year to run an additional 14 workshops across the state, thanks to funding from generous donors. The mobile, evidence-based programs aim to support participants in regional, rural and remote communities, helping them better diagnose and treat seriously ill and injured infants and children.
Earlier this month, CareFlight ran courses in East Gippsland, including: Orbost Regional Health, March 11 – Sick & Injured Kids in the Bush; Orbost Service Centre, March 11 – Infant Care Workshop; Bairnsdale St Mary’s Parish Centre Hall, March 11 – Infant Care Workshop; and Omeo District Health, March 12 – Sick & Injured Kids in the Bush.
CareFlight’s Infant Care Workshop equips new parents and carers with essential lifesaving skills to manage common infant health concerns and emergencies. The Sick & Injured Kids in the Bush course provides advanced training for responding to critically unwell infants and children, including newborn resuscitation.
Margarita Obeid, head of operations – education and training, emphasised the importance of the workshops.
“Caring for sick or critically injured children is especially challenging in remote, rural and regional locations where access to specialists and paediatric resources can be limited,” she said.
“That is why we were excited to offer additional access to our programs in Victoria. Practical skills training and scenario-based discussions improve participants’ knowledge, skills and confidence, which is vital for positive health outcomes for newborns and children.”
Each workshop was delivered by a team of highly skilled doctors, nurses and paramedics committed to building local capacity and ensuring paediatric patients have the best possible chance of recovery.
