Toddler falls six metres from the second storey of her family home on the Sunshine Coast.

ABC news reports, Paramedics were called to the Maroochydore home about 6:00pm, over reports an 18-month old girl had fallen from a window.

Both the RACQ LifeFlight’s Critical Care Doctor and QAS Intensive Care Paramedic treated the toddler at scene prior to being flown to the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital in Brisbane.

She remains in stable condition.

More details to come…

NSW Health says falls are the most common cause of injuries in children. Over 8,000 children are admitted to NSW hospitals each year due to a fall. In 2010 across NSW, 34 children were hospitalised after falling from a window and 46 children were hospitalised after falling from a balcony.

Children can fall out of a window which is open more than 12.5cm, even if a flyscreen is fitted.
To prevent children falling from your windows, it is recommended that

•  where possible, all windows, especially bedroom windows:  –  are not opened more than 12.5cm when located above the ground floor.  –  have window latches/locks fitted to stop windows opening more than 12.5cm or guards to protect the opening (see Kids Don’t Fly Window Safety Product Guide).  –  open from the top.

•  beds and other furniture are kept away from windows, so that children cannot use them to climb up to the windows. •   you do not rely on flyscreens to prevent a child falling out of a window.

•  children are taught to play away from windows.

•   children are always supervised.

Balcony safety

To prevent children falling from your balcony, it is recommended that:

•  where possible, balustrades (railings):  –  are at least 1 metre high.  –   have vertical bars which are no more than 12.5cm apart (use a ruler to measure the gaps between your vertical balustrade posts).  –   have no horizontal or near horizontal parts that would allow children to climb.

•  all furniture, potted plants and other climbable objects are kept away from the edge of balconies.

•  you are aware of furniture that is light enough for children to drag to the balcony edge.

•   doors leading to balconies are locked to prevent child access to them.

•  children are always supervised.

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