Coronial
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Finding into death of Rosalind Smith

Deceased

ROSALIND JANE SMITH

Demographics

2y, female

Coroner

Coroner Kim M. W. Parkinson

Date of death

2009-09-30

Finding date

2010-10-29

Cause of death

compression of the neck as a result of having become entangled in a blind cord

AI-generated summary

Rosalind Smith, a healthy 2-year-old, died from neck compression after becoming entangled in a Holland blind cord while attempting to look out a bedroom window. The cord was unsecured and hung at 870mm from the floor, accessible to a child standing on or near a bedside table. Although parents had assessed the home for safety, the hazard was not immediately apparent. The coroner emphasised that young children aged 18 months to 3 years are particularly vulnerable to strangulation from blind cords. While this was an accidental death with no medical mismanagement, the case highlights systemic failures in product safety regulation and public awareness. Regulatory changes implemented after this death now require safety mechanisms on new blinds, but retrofitting existing installations remains dependent on parental vigilance and public education campaigns.

AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.

Specialties

forensic medicinepaediatrics

Error types

system

Clinical conditions

asphyxianeck compression

Contributing factors

  • unsecured Holland blind cord positioned at 870mm from floor
  • cord not enclosed in cord guide or secured to window frame
  • proximity of bedside table to window allowing child access to cord
  • lack of awareness of strangulation hazard by parents despite safety assessment
  • absence of safety devices on existing (pre-regulation) window furnishings
  • inadequate public safety campaigns at time of death

Coroner's recommendations

  1. Consumer Affairs Victoria should continue to publicise the risk of blind and curtain cord strangulation through regular ongoing multimedia campaigns
  2. Information and warning campaigns should be distributed regularly to maternal and child health centres, child care centres, hospitals, and other relevant facilities to educate parents and carers about the dangers of blind and curtain cords to young children
  3. A copy of the finding should be provided to the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Consumer Affairs Victoria, and the Royal Children's Hospital Accident Prevention Unit
Full text
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Source and disclaimer

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