Infant and Child CPR
Remember all the stupid things you did as a kid, whether or not your parents were watching? Like climbing as high as possible in a tree, and then jumping out because it was easier and faster than climbing back down? Or that time you tried to see just how many marshmallows/hot dogs/grapes you could fit in your mouth? Okay, maybe the last one was just a few weeks ago, but you get the gist of it. My point is that you never know what kind of dangerous situations your kids may find themselves in.
Regardless of how old you or your children are, CPR and some basic first aid knowledge are invaluable life skills. When you consider that the human brain can die in as little as ten minutes without oxygen, and that it may easily take that long for EMS to arrive at the scene of an emergency, you can clearly see the value in learning CPR. My own father has resuscitated several people over the years in situations as innocuous as a high school banquet to sitting in church, so you never know when a skill like this will be required.
The American Red Cross offers local courses on infant, child and adult CPR as well as other first responder style courses. Their website has class info and a tool to locate the closest branch of the Red Cross. You may also want to check through your local hospital to see if they offer similar programs at lower or no cost. Some of these courses my be reimbursable through your health insurance provider.
Tags: first-aid, SafetyRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Advice, Dad Resources, General, Parenting, Safety
3 opinions for Infant and Child CPR
Jennifer
Aug 8, 2007 at 4:15 am
Awesome post. Do you know how many parents I know that have never taken CPR or first aid? Tons. I update every year and still the thought of a real emergency makes me nervous. And other parents should take classes too. Good that you’re reminding them.
PS officially welcome! I’m a little late but my six year old and blogging has been keeping me busy to death. But this blog looks amazing so I’ll be back.
The Heimlich Maneuver for pregnant women
Sep 11, 2007 at 10:32 pm
[…] wife and I took an infant CPR class tonight, part of which included the Heimlich Maneuver for pregnant women. I always wondered how you […]
Joe Ceccarelli
Mar 18, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I am a certified CPR, First Aid and AED instructor for the American Heart Association and the National Safety Council. It does amaze me how many parents or for that matter people do not know what to do in an emergency. I have a training company that provides theese services to individules as well as companies to promote a safer enviorment. I wrote a blog not to long ago on Knowing how to call 9-1-1 wich is the most important thing to do. You may be surprised how many people hesitate to do that.
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