Doll call… Volunteer Ingrid Duenzl is calling for more volunteers to help make trauma dolls that go to St John ambulance. Fellow volunteer Elizabeth shows how it’s done. 28124 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By Charlene Gatt
THESE are not your average dolls.
Unlike the ageless Barbie – who has shoes, campervans, and an equally good-looking plastic boyfriend to boot – these trauma dolls are nameless, usually featureless calico toys whose only adornment is a gown.
Despite the lack of accessories, their educational worth is invaluable. And, with 500 dolls sent out to St John ambulances and hospital wards around the state, they are in high demand.
“It’s not a traditional toy; it’s more for children who might have been in an accident and to show the doctor where the child has pain,” volunteer Ingrid Duenzl said.
The dolls also allow doctors to explain medical procedures to kids by drawing on the affected areas.
The dolls often become a patient’s new best friend, and can accompany kids into operating theatres.
Ms Duenzl is one of six ladies that meet up for two hours a fortnight to make the dolls.
The group, which started up more than five years ago as a morning tea meeting for seniors, is looking for new volunteers to share a chat and some sewing.
The group makes up to 60 dolls in a session.
It meets at 10am every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at Braybrook’s New Apostolic Church, in Hampstead Rd. For more information, call Ingrid on 9356 4401.
