As a Registered Nurse and grandmother, Loretta Woodford recognised the critical importance of equipping parents and caregivers with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in emergencies involving infants and young children. Motivated by this vision, Baby First Aid Qld was born, bridging the gap in first aid education and infants.
Tell us about yourself and Baby First Aid Qld.
I am a passionate advocate for child safety and the owner of Baby First Aid Qld, dedicated to providing essential first aid education to parents and caregivers. With my unwavering commitment to empowering individuals with life-saving skills, I have become a prominent figure in the field of Baby First Aid in North Qld.
My journey in the realm of first aid and child safety began after becoming a Registered Nurse and a grandmother – where I discovered the critical importance of equipping parents and caregivers with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in emergency situations involving infants and young children. Motivated by this vision, and with a mission to bridge the gap in first aid education specifically tailored to the unique needs and vulnerabilities of young ones, Baby First Aid Qld was born.
Baby First Aid Qld has flourished into a beacon of safety and support for families across North Queensland. Through baby first aid education, my team and I have empowered countless individuals to become confident and capable first responders, thereby helping to safeguard the wellbeing of children in their care.
My dedication to promoting child safety extends beyond the classroom, as I actively collaborate with local communities and organisations to raise awareness and advocate for proactive measures to prevent accidents and mitigate risks.
As a testament to my commitment, I continue to inspire others through my efforts in championing baby first aid education. Reaching our third birthday, Baby First Aid Qld has significantly contributed to building a safer and more prepared community, where individuals are equipped with the essential skills to protect and care for their little ones.
In essence, Baby First Aid Qld has not only elevated the standard of baby first aid education but has also fostered a culture of proactive safety and empowerment among parents and caregivers throughout North Queensland.
What has been the most challenging aspect of starting/owning Baby First Aid Qld?
One of the significant challenges faced as a business owner was the limited finances to start a small business. Starting a business often comes with significant upfront costs, and I had to find creative ways to overcome the financial constraints. I carefully allocated funds, sought cost-effective options, and prioritised essential aspects of the business to maximise my limited budget.
In addition to financial challenges, I also had to juggle my nursing job while owning and operating the business. This required careful time management and balancing multiple responsibilities. My commitment to both my nursing career and my passion for baby first aid education motivated me to find a way to make it work.
Furthermore, as Baby First Aid Qld expanded its reach, I faced the challenge of traveling long distances to deliver the baby first aid education programs. This required extensive planning, organisation, and coordination to ensure seamless delivery of the programs across different locations in North Queensland.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
In 1989 I tied the knot with my husband. Initially, our plan was to have a delightful honeymoon in Tasmania. However, we decided to embark on a different adventure and journeyed to the Northern Territory by bus instead. The highlight of our honeymoon was undoubtedly the experience of climbing Uluru. Scaling the iconic rock formation allowed us to appreciate its grandeur and connect with the profound spiritual significance it holds. Climbing Uluru became a cherished memory, shaping our honeymoon into a truly unforgettable and unique journey.
What is the best piece of career or business advice you have ever received?
There are many great pieces of advice, however, the one that stands out the most is the power of networking and building genuine relationships. Building relationships has allowed me to enhance my knowledge and skills and expand my business network. By creating connections and nurturing relationships with individuals in my industry and community, I have gained invaluable insights and support. I believe that building meaningful relationships based on mutual trust and respect can bring significant opportunities, personal growth, and lifelong connections.
Going forward, what is next on the cards for Baby First Aid Qld?
As a social enterprise and with the support of a DESBT Growth Grant, the business has successfully developed an online platform for education.
Baby First Aid Qld aims to collaborate with Local Government Authorities (LGAs) to extend their reach to regional and remote communities. By forming partnerships with LGAs, the business can tap into their existing networks and resources, enabling them to deliver their educational programs to a broader audience. This strategic approach will ensure that no community is left behind when it comes to access to life-saving baby first aid knowledge.
By reaching out to regional and remote communities, Baby First Aid Qld aims to empower parents and caregivers with crucial skills and knowledge in emergency situations. The business recognises the unique challenges faced by these communities and aims to bridge the gap by providing accessible and quality education in baby first aid.
Main image – Loretta Woodford
Images Credits – All images supplied.
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