Media Release
26 October 2010
Victorian Emergency Services Recognised for Protection of Children
Each day in Australia, 5,000 children require medical attention, 170 are admitted to hospital and one
child dies - all as a result of unintentional injuries.
Kidsafe Victoria is celebrating National Kidsafe Day by publicly acknowledging the outstanding work
carried out by Victoria’s emergency services, in the protection of children from accidents and injury.
In a ceremony to be held this morning, grade three students from Hawthorn West Primary School
will act as Kidsafe ambassadors and present Kidsafe certificates of recognition to Ambulance
Victoria, Victoria Police, Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Country Fire Brigade, and the State
Emergency Services.
Robert Caulfield, Vice President of Kidsafe Victoria said Kidsafe’s public acknowledgement of the
emergency services was recognition of the care, concern, and kindness of the men and women in the front
line, who often place their own lives at risk, to rescue and protect children.
“Each year there are hundreds of Victorian families who are personally touched by the commitment and
dedication of these services.
“As a community we believe it is important to also acknowledge that members of our emergency services
must deal with extreme emotional trauma in situations involving fatalities or severe injuries to children.”
Mr. Caulfield said, “apart from rescuing and caring for children in emergency situations, these organisations
play a major role of safety education and awareness, supporting the prevention of unintentional injuries to
children”.
Each day in Australia, 5 000 children require medical attention, 170 are admitted to hospital and one child
dies - all as a result of unintentional injuries. Most of these injuries occur at home and at school.
Since Kidsafe’s establishment in 1979, the number of children in Australia killed by unintentional injury has
been halved. To date, a great deal has been achieved in preventing unintentional injuries to children through
Kidsafe media campaigns and educational programs, however, Kidsafe and the community must continue
their efforts to save the lives of Victorian children.
Media Enquiries:
Robert Caulfield Vice President Kidsafe 0412 381 306
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, Kidsafe Victoria – Mobile: 0417 329 201
Media Alert
9:45am Tuesday 26th
October 2010
Emergency Services Recognised on National Kidsafe Day
Hawthorn West Primary School
Wood Street, Hawthorn
NEWS 
