The Sick Sense

The Sick Sense Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from The Sick Sense, Safety & first aid service, Newcastle.

Founded by Ilana (Illy), Paediatric Nurse Consultant, The Sick Sense is the go-to baby & child first aid provider in Newcastle & Lake Macquarie—empowering parents with CPR, choking, illness recognition, workshops, online courses & family safety education.

Am I crazy?!?! I know right.I just did a 6.5 hour drive solo with my two kids (5 + 2) and our dog.But this is something ...
17/04/2026

Am I crazy?!?! I know right.

I just did a 6.5 hour drive solo with my two kids (5 + 2) and our dog.

But this is something we used to do every year when my husband was alive — and it felt really important for me to keep that tradition going.

And it got me thinking…

We talk a lot about choking risk at home —
But not enough about the car.

Because the reality is — kids eat in cars.

I’ve seen the posts:
“NEVER feed your child in the car”

But come on… let me be 250% real —
Who hasn’t fed their kids in the car?

My car literally needs vacuuming every day… sometimes twice with all the crumbs and scraps.

I’m a Paediatric Nurse Consultant… and a mum.
And I’ve absolutely fed my kids in the car.

But what I do do is minimise the risk:

• Plan feeds around stops
• Use sleep times to your advantage
• Choose softer, lower-risk foods
• Avoid hard, round foods (grapes, carrots, lollies)
• Save proper meals for when you can safely stop

Because choking is silent.
And in a moving car — response time matters.

It’s not about being perfect.
It’s about being prepared.

That’s your Sick Sense.

Winter is coming… and so is the flu season.If you’ve got babies or young kids, you’ve probably already noticed the runny...
15/04/2026

Winter is coming… and so is the flu season.

If you’ve got babies or young kids, you’ve probably already noticed the runny noses, coughs, and daycare germs creeping in.

But here’s what most parents aren’t told.

The flu isn’t just a bad cold.
It can hit little bodies fast — even in otherwise healthy kids.

That’s why every winter, we see:
• Increased GP visits
• ED presentations
• Hospital admissions in children

The simple step that makes a big difference?

- The annual flu vaccine (from 6 months of age)
- Helps reduce severity and complications
- Protects not just your child — but your whole household

Here’s where your Sick Sense matters most…
It's not about recognising or diagnosing your child.

It’s about recognising when your child is:

Okay to watch at home
Needs a GP review
Or is showing red flags that need urgent care

That confidence?
It changes everything.

Our next face-to-face workshop in May is fully booked — but you can jump on the waitlist.

June bookings are now open, so you don’t miss out this winter.

Can’t make it in person or want a refresher?
Our bite-sized online course has all the essentials, available anytime, anywhere.

04/04/2026

ED wait times can unfortunately be long - let’s be honest!

And when you’re worried about your child, every minute feels even longer.

But here’s the thing — if your child’s pain increases, their condition changes, or you’re just worried in any way… you can and should speak up. You are your child’s voice.

I’m Illy — Paediatric Nurse Consultant and founder of The Sick Sense.

I created these workshops to be completely different from the first aid courses you might have done before.

Yes, we cover the practical skills like CPR, choking and emergencies. But we also dive deeper into:
✨ Recognising signs of sickness early
✨ Knowing red flags that can’t wait
✨ Communication tips for talking to healthcare professionals

Advocacy skills so you feel confident being involved in your child’s care
Because first aid is more than a tick-the-box certificate — it’s about confidence, language and advocacy.

That’s the heart of The Sick Sense: making sure you leave not just knowing what to do — but also what to say.

04/04/2026

Hot drinks + little hands = danger

If you’ve got babies or toddlers, you already know they’re basically magnetised to anything you don’t want them touching.

Cups of coffee and tea are no exception (IYKYK).

One simple habit can reduce the risk of burns in children:
move hot drinks to the centre of the bench, well away from little hands.

It’s a small change, but it can help prevent serious burns, scalds, and hot drink injuries at home.

Accidents do still happen — and if a burn occurs, burn first aid matters.

✔ Cool running water
✔ 20 minutes
✔ As soon as possible

No ice. No creams. Just cool running water.

Easter is fun, chaotic and full of chocolate — but it also comes with a few risks that many parents don’t realise.The bi...
03/04/2026

Easter is fun, chaotic and full of chocolate — but it also comes with a few risks that many parents don’t realise.

The biggest one is choking.

Those small mini Easter eggs are one of the most common choking hazards for young children. They’re small, solid and the perfect size to block an airway.

The good news is you don’t need to take the fun away — just make a few simple changes:

Choose larger hollow eggs
Break chocolate into smaller pieces
Avoid kids eating while running around
Sit and supervise during eating

A simple rule we love is collect first, eat together after.

It’s not about fear — it’s about being prepared and aware.

Because choking is silent and happens quickly.

Trust your gut this Easter. That’s your Sick Sense.

If you want to feel more confident in recognising and responding to emergencies, our Baby and Child First Aid Workshops, private sessions and online course are designed exactly for that.

Link in bio to explore your options.

Address

Newcastle, NSW

Website

http://www.thesicksense.com/, https://g.page/r/CSM1hmFwhqtREAE/review

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