Why Every Babysitter Should Be CPR, AED, and First Aid Certified
CHILDREN AND INFANTS are at a higher risk for accident, thus they are naturally at a higher risk for the need for a properly trained
CPR, AED, and First Aid certified sitter. CPR can be necessary is countless situations, which includes some commonly occurring emergencies such as:
- Near-drowning
- Household poison exposure
- Electrocution
- Suffocation (from several situations such as smoke inhalation or being smothered)
- Accidents (such as falling or animal bites/stings)
- Choking
While this may seem like an overwhelming responsibility, if a child or infant is under the care of an
adequately certified sitter, he or she is in good hands.
The Top 3 Responsibilities Every Good Sitter Should Know: Medical Info, CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification, and Contact Info
1. Understanding where to find medical information and knowing when to utilized it.
Children have medical histories too, and just like adults, are in danger for medical emergencies. If the child has medications, does the sitter know where to find them and the correct dosage? Also, does the nanny or sitter know the location of the first aid kit, and the accurate ways of utilizing it? You cannot give a child adult aspirin, even though it is in a first aid kit.
2. Knowing how to keep the children safe with CPR, AED and First Aid certification
This is often an overlooked quality when finding a nanny or babysitter, as many parents or guardians assume an emergency situation will not happen in a short amount of time. First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification, however, can ultimately save a child or infant’s life as CPR restores circulation of blood into the brain. Without adequate, oxygenated blood in the brain, a child or infant can have permanent brain damage, or even die within less than 8 minutes. Correct usage and certification AED, CPR, and First Aid, however, can add vital minutes into the situation until medical help is available or has arrived.
3. Several means of getting in touch with parents and emergency contacts.
Does your sitter or nanny know which phone number to call at all times? Are all the numbers updated and memorized? In certain situations, it may also be a good idea to give the babysitter the phone numbers of neighbors or the location where you, the parents, are. These backup” numbers can help save a child’s life if an emergency is presented and the parents’ or guardians’ phones are off or on silent.
Many CPR, AED, and First Aid classes are now offered online, and take only hours to take if desired. This type of accessibility can change the way nannies or sitters are hired, as the simplicity has made it easier than ever to be CPR, AED, and First Aid certified.
We want to know: Are you CPR certified? Comment below!