Qld: Kids to learn how to cope with emergencies

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2007
Qld: Kids to learn how to cope with emergencies

BRISBANE, Feb 16 AAP - Primary school children in Queensland will learn vital skills
for coping with emergencies under a new program launched today.

Police Minister Judy Spence said the program would teach school children in grades
five, six and seven valuable skills to help them respond appropriately to unsafe or emergency
situations.

"Too often we hear of avoidable incidents and injuries that involve young people, whether
at home, in the car or in play," Ms Spence said.

Every year, more than 15,500 children aged under 15 years were taken to hospital in
Queensland for injuries suffered in their homes or yards, she said.

"This new program has been adapted from the Junior Neighbourhood Watch Project and
aims to teach young people 'real life' skills and awareness to help lead them safely into
adulthood," Ms Spence said.

It consists of a series of teaching modules and exercises covering a range of topics,
from basic CPR and first aid, to crime prevention, fire safety, emergency and disaster
preparedness and personal protective behaviours.

"This is important, as young people are more likely to become victims of crime than
any other age group," Ms Spence said.

The program was successfully trialled in four primary schools last year and will be
rolled out across the state this year to schools interested in participating.

The most common causes of child deaths from unintentional injury are car crashes, pedestrians
being hit by motor vehicles, drowning and house fires.

AAP rad/pjo/imc/bwl

KEYWORD: SKILLS QLD

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