Owned by Registered Nurse Loretta Woodford, Baby First Aid Qld is a business for good that is on a mission to ensure all parents and carers have access to quality skills in first aid that they can apply if their child is sick, injured or in an emergency situation. Every one of their educators is a trained professional with a deep passion for Baby First Aid and empowering parents to feel confident and capable. They provide group and individual Baby First Aid courses, which can be hosted at your residence or a public location, as well as a range of interactive online courses. Here Loretta talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the inspiration behind her business, her biggest breakthrough, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
I was inspired to set up my business, Baby First Aid Qld, with a mission to ensure that all parents and caregivers have access to quality first aid skills to use in emergency situations concerning their children. As a Registered Nurse and a mother of three grown-up children and four grandchildren, I recognised a gap in the market for baby first aid in North Queensland. This realisation led me to bring Parentmedic sessions to the region and establish my own venture, Baby First Aid Qld.
My passion for infant and child health, combined with my firsthand experience as a parent, drove me to create a business that provides courses across North Queensland, equipping parents and caregivers with essential first aid knowledge to apply in various emergency scenarios involving their children. I aimed to ensure that families have the confidence and skills necessary to respond effectively to medical emergencies with a primary focus on providing quality first aid education.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
I launched my business as a franchisee of Parentmedic North Qld in 2021. Based in Townsville, Queensland, I independently educated and travelled hundreds of kilometres by road educating in Cairns, Mareeba, Ingham, Charters Towers, Townsville, Bowen, Collinsville, Cannonvale, Proserpine, Moranbah and Mackay.
I have now recruited Educators in Cairns, Townsville and Mackay, which helps as I don’t have to travel as much.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
One of the biggest breakthroughs for me and Baby First Aid QLD was winning three grants with the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT).
Business Basics Grant, Social Enterprise Development Grant and Social Enterprise Growth Grant provided crucial funding and support for the business. These grants played a significant role in helping Baby First Aid QLD get off the ground and establish itself as a social enterprise.
Winning grants with DESBT have not only provided financial support but also recognition and validation for my vision and business model.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
This can be difficult at times as I work shift work as a Registered Nurse as well as running the business.
My children are all grown up and have started their own families, so it is my husband Stephen and I at home. Stephen and I have spent many hours on the road, making a weekend away when I have face-to-face sessions for hours from home.
When I am on afternoon shift, you will often find me in the home office in the mornings.
