Infant/Child CPR Classes
Many parents take childbirth classes and parenting classes before their baby arrives, but very few of these courses include instruction on how to perform CPR on an infant or child.
I find this surprising since it's one of those must-ask questions on the list for babysitters and child care providers. I mean, nobody wants to leave their children with someone who couldn't save their lives if it came down to it... but if you don't know CPR yourself, that's what you're doing every day, right?
I've been certified several times before and I've had to use it twice. Still, it's not like riding a bike -- at least not for me. I kept my certification up when it was necessary for my work, but I've let it slide in recent years. The other day, it dawned on me that I couldn't exactly remember how many rescue breaths and compressions were for infants and children versus adults.
I'm going to take another class next month. If you have never taken a class or need a refresher, I hope you'll do the same.
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I struggle with the concept that people who do not have ‘resources’ (ie money) are less able to take the lifesaving training of CPR including the Heimlich manouvre for choking than people who do have money. I have heard about an early years centre in Mississauga that provides an ‘educational’ session - parents and caregivers do not leave with a certificate - but they do leave with more knowledge and preliminary skills.