SA: Coroner warns of curtain cord dangers

AAP General News (Australia)
12-15-2008
SA: Coroner warns of curtain cord dangers

ADELAIDE, Dec 15 AAP - A coroner has issued a warning to parents after a 13-month-old
boy died when a cord from a window blind became tangled around his neck.

South Australian Deputy Coroner Anthony Schapel said on Monday the boy died in March
last year after he had been left unattended in his cot for just 10 or 15 minutes.

Mr Schapel said the boy was found hanging from the cord by his father, his death ruled
an accident by police, with no suggestion of neglect or suspicious circumstances.

The coroner said curtain cords were recognised as a safety risk when cots were placed
near windows and he recommended a public education campaign be conducted to warn of the
dangers.

He also agreed with expert evidence from forensic pathologist Roger Byard who argued
for the need to provide proper information and warnings to families when they purchased
products that had intrinsic dangers such as curtains and blinds.

"He told me in plain terms that people need to know that these devices are dangerous,"

Mr Schapel said in his findings.

"He adds that the relative infrequency of deaths is really beside the point when it
is considered that any death of this nature is preventable and should be prevented.

"I agree with that assessment of the situation."

The coroner asked that the name of the dead boy not be published.

AAP tjd/maur/de

KEYWORD: CORD

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