Westpac Rescue RashieTM launches to help Australian parents in paediatric CPR emergencies

Westpac released findings from its Water Safety Survey showing more than half of Australian parents with children aged two to eight (55.8%) would not know the life-saving CPR instructions needed if they were faced with a drowning emergency.

While many Australian parents are aware of the importance of not waiting for paramedics to arrive in the event of a child drowning (92%), survey results show a lack of awareness about how to respond with correct CPR procedures for children. Two thirds of parents surveyed are unaware of the correct compression to breath ratio, a vital element of paediatric CPR.

Some parents also have misconceptions about water safety; with over a third believing if their child can swim they are at a reduced risk of drowning and almost a third believing the first sign of a child drowning is splashing

Ahead of the peak month for drowning in Australia, Westpac is launching the Westpac Rescue RashieTM as part of a new initiative to promote summer safety awareness.

Former Olympic swimmer, ironman and father of two, Ky Hurst said he knows all too well how quickly things can turn to tragedy in the water and the importance of reacting quickly in an emergency.

“I loved the idea of the Westpac Rescue Rashie as soon as I saw it. It¡’s so simple. The instructions on the front and the bright red colour serve as a constant reminder of how to keep your children safe should the worst case scenario become reality,” Ky said.

Westpac Rescue Rashies are available for $35 each, with proceeds going to Take Heart Australia to fund vital CPR training.

Westpac Rescue Rashies are available from popup=true and can be shipped anywhere within Australia.

Westpac will also gift a complimentary Rescue Rashie to the 1,418 Australians who preregistered their interest in the Rescue Rashie trial to thank them for their support.