Though we (should) take all precautions in advance, for the safety of our babies and children, we need to be prepared for unexpected emergency situations as well.
- We need learn first aid (CPR) methods and be able to administer these at the time of emergencies. We should also teach them to whomever is taking care of our babies or kids as well such as nannies, grandmas, aunts and teachers. You can take these courses at hospitals in the US along with other baby care classes. You should ask your prospective nanny to get a CPR certificate.
- You should have the emergency phone list available somewhere visible at your home and distribute them to the people taking care of your baby or your child and have them carry these numbers in their wallets or purses at all times.
First aid for choking:
If something is obstructing your baby’s windpipe, first find out the extent of this obstruction. If your child is still coughing, wait a little while for him or her to cough it out. While trying to reach in his throat to get the object out with your finger, be very careful. You might push the object or the tongue further causing the tube to be further obstructed.
If the object has completely hindered baby’s breathing then place baby facedown, hold him around his chest with your arm, place your hand on his chin, hold him down. With the palm of your hand, press down on his/her back firmly and tap hard 5 times. Then turn your baby over, tap 5 times on his chest. Repeat till the object comes out.
You can watch the videos below:
–First aid for choking conscious babies
–First aid for choking conscious child
CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation):
Do not forget that CPR for adults and babies is not the same. CPR is done when you are certain that there is no breathing, no pulse and that the heartbeat has stopped.
–Infant CPR (video)
–Child CPR (video)
Other resources you can consult to, in case of burns, falls, head injuries, drowning and other emergencies.
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