CPR Classes Can Help Prevent Drowning
Drowning is the major reason for dying in Arizona in children under four years of age. (See Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona)
There is no sole solution suggested to prevent drownings. What is most advised is a 3-step approach: “Block, Watch and Learn.”
Step One: Block.
Block easy access to bodies of water. Close bathroom doors so babies won’t drown in toilets. Block the backyard pool with a barrier such as a fence or pool cover.
Step Two: Watch.
Strict supervision must be exercised in the vicinity of all bodies of water. Most drownings occur in buckets, bathtubs, toilets, pools, ponds, and lakes.
Step Three – Learn.
Learn how to swim and Learn CPR. All children have to take swimming instruction also.
Learning CPR can be the difference between Life and Death to someone you love. Any person that has a child in their care must learn CPR and recertify biannually.
During a CPR class you will learn to give CPR to Children, Infants, and Adults as per the guidelines established by the American Heart Association( AHA).
Unfortunately, when a child drowns first responders such as Paramedics, Firefighters and EMT’s are the first to give CPR. Lots of bystanders are reluctant to give CPR because they are afraid of doing it wrong or injuring the person further. If your child drowns, every second counts. You can’t wait around for EMT’s to get there to start CPR. Every minute that passes reduces the chance of survival. CPR is more likely to be successful when given within the first 5 minutes after the patient stops breathing. How long will it take for EMT’s to arrive? Five minutes? Ten minutes? If this is your kid, can you afford to not know CPR?
Filed under: General Interest