Finding into death of Rosalind Smith
Deceased
Rosalind Jane Smith
Demographics
2y, female
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 Jane Smith, a healthy two-year-old, died on 30 September 2009 from neck compression after becoming entangled in an unsecured Holland blind cord while in her bedroom at home. Her mother discovered her unresponsive at 5:10 PM and initiated CPR, but resuscitation efforts by ambulance officers were unsuccessful. The coroner found no suspicious circumstances, determining this a tragic accident. Children aged 18 months to 3 years face particular risk of strangulation from blind cords; the coroner noted 14 such deaths nationally since 2000. Although the parents had initially assessed home safety, hazards to young children are not always immediately apparent. The coroner recommended ongoing multi-media public safety campaigns by Consumer Affairs Victoria, coordinated distribution of safety information to maternal, child health, and childcare facilities, and promotion of safety devices and proper installation practices to prevent similar deaths.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- Blind cord not secured to window frame or enclosed in cord guide
- Cord hung at accessible height (870mm from floor) to young child
- Bed positioned directly beneath window with blind cord mechanism
- Lack of public awareness regarding strangulation hazard from blind cords
- Absence of mandatory safety devices on existing window furnishings
Coroner's recommendations
- Consumer Affairs Victoria continue to publicise the risk of blind cord strangulation by way of regular ongoing multi-media campaigns
- Regular distribution of information and safety resources to maternal and child health centres, child care centres, retailers, manufacturers, and families
- Ongoing promotion of safety devices including cord guides and cord release devices
- Copy of finding provided to Minister for Consumer Affairs, Consumer Affairs Victoria, and Royal Children's Hospital Accident Prevention Unit
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