Police in Kent donated toys to comfort child victims of road accidents
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Cuddly comfort is
being offered to young traffic accident victims at collision
scenes.
Kent Police’s specialist Roads Policing Unit (RPU) has recruited
a team of 'trauma teddies’ in a bid to reduce the stress children
suffer when they are involved in a serious road traffic
collision.
All police traffic vehicles now carry the toys to give to
youngsters up to the age of about six when they are trapped in a
vehicle or involved in a collision either as a passenger or
pedestrian.
Chief Inspector Andrew Reeves, head of the county’s RPU, said:
"Any road traffic collision is a bad thing, but it is particularly
distressing to all concerned when children are involved.
"This initiative allows our officers to provide a small teddy
bear to any children involved in such an incident, which can both
comfort and calm them"
The initiative was the brainchild of traffic officer PC Darren
Chapman. Having attended many distressing collisions he decided to
contact a Kent toy manufacturer, who is remaining anonymous, who
donated about 100 teddy bears as well as other cuddly toys.
PC Chapman said: "It’s more difficult when young children are
involved in a collision because you can’t always explain what is
happening to them. Fear and confusion can overwhelm them and
sometimes all they need is comfort and reassurance rather than the
type of explanation you would give an adult.
"I’m delighted that I have been able to source the toys at no
cost to the force, and therefore the public, and am very grateful
to the toy company for its support."
The initiative has won the backing of other organisations
including Kent County Council and Victim Support.
- In 2008, 87 children were killed or seriously injured on Kent’s
roads. Nationally, the number was 2,807.
Thursday, March 18 2010
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