Recently, I conducted a two-day Pediatric Advanced Life Support Course in regional Victoria at a center that sees a growing influx of children and families. The cases they encounter range from infant drownings to teenage trauma, while their community spans from seasonal tourists to low-income families struggling with chronic illness and mental health challenges.
Despite the critical need, this center faces constant battles to secure funding for staff training in pediatric care. Their expertise in this area is basic, yet the cases they handle are complex and demanding. Staff members shared their willingness to attend training without pay just to gain the knowledge and confidence to keep children and families safe. "We would be happy to not get paid," they said. "We just need this knowledge. We need to feel empowered."
So why do we wait until a tragic, sentinel event to see the importance of investing in the people who care for our children? Why do we only respond to crises rather than prepare to prevent them? If we truly care about our future generations, we must shift our mindset from reactive healthcare to proactive education. This means providing the necessary resources to train and empower caregivers and healthcare professionals before emergencies happen.
It's time to think forward, to prioritize the safety and well-being of children through sustained, forward-thinking education. Proactive investment in pediatric training is not just about readiness; it's about valuing the lives of children and supporting the communities who care for them.
Child Care Specialist at Enga Provincial Health Authority
8moAm interested but am distance away. Can the workshop be zoomed