Help a Choking Child – Babysitters get trained
The people who choke most often are small children and senior citizens. So, youth who want to be babysitters, be sure to get trained, first. Help a choking child, because you’ll know what to do!
I have taught Babysitting CPR classes for 17 years for youth ages 11+. Training to be a safe Babysitter is so important – but feeling confident as you start babysitting is “worth its weight in gold”, as they say.
Parents Want YOU
As I always say in my class to young students, “parents are looking for YOU because you are a) kind and you are b) trained.” I am so pleased that parents of prospective babysitters are directing them to my class because I include full CPR in the course. I urge you to check my website page called “Compare the Classes” – it compares “babysitting” classes that don’t include mannequins and CPR, diapering with dolls, etc. Take a GOOD class which includes preventing injury, quality time with children, first aid, choking skills, diapering/burping, tummy time, shaken baby syndrome – and full CPR.
HELP A CHOKING CHILD
Please visit this excellent information site: SafeKids.org for keeping children safe.
When someone is choking it is vital that you a) recognize the emergency and b) know what action to take. Safe Kids Worldwide (safekids.org) states this statistic about choking:
The Hard Facts
Among children treated in emergency rooms for
non-fatal choking incidents, almost 60 percent were food-related.
Overall, 13 percent of cases involved swallowing coins and 19 percent involved candy or gum.
Tips to avoid choking
- Cut food for toddlers into tiny pieces. Children under 5 should not eat small, round or hard foods, including pieces of hot dogs, cheese sticks or chunks, hard candy, nuts, grapes, marshmallows or popcorn.
- Remember to have young kids eat in a high chair or at the table, not while lying down or playing. It is important to supervise your babies when they are eating or playing.
- Keep small objects out of reach
- See the world from a child’s point of view. Get on the floor on your hands and knees so that you are at the child’s eye level. Look for and remove small items.
- Keep small objects such as buttons, beads, jewelry, pins, nails, marbles, coins, stones and tacks out of reach and sight.
Be On the Lookout for Magnets & Batteries
Parents often don’t know it was swallowed!
Keep small magnets and batteries away from children. Some great information from SafeKids.org:
These include magnets found in construction sets, children’s toys, refrigerator magnets. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect that magnets or batteries have been swallowed. Look for abdominal symptoms, such as pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Get trained before babysitting – and learn CPR. Stay Safe!
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EasyCPR-Denver.com visit my site for the list of upcoming classes
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Jean Lesmeister, 17 year youth Babysitting CPR, Adult CPR & First Aid Instructor
American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI)
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