You’re having a casual Saturday morning breakfast with your toddler. Your child is independent with feeding, so you start on the dishes while they finish their breakfast. A minute goes by and you haven’t heard your toddler babble over their banana slices like they usually do. Turning to sneak a peek at your child’s happy face, you drop the dishes in the sink in terror as you notice your child is gagging and isn’t breathing. Do you know how to save your child’s life?
Why Should I Know CPR?
No parent wants to think about what they would do if their child was unresponsive, so it’s understandable to push these thoughts aside. However, it’s preparedness that helps you not worry! It’s the responsibility of the parent to have the tools and knowledge necessary to protect or save their child.
If you’re home with your child, you are the first responder in an emergency. While emergency responders are exceptionally fast, it only takes four minutes without oxygen for your child to suffer permanent brain damage, and six minutes before they are dead. First responders are fast, but they may not be fast enough.
If your child isn’t responding, you won’t have time to ask Alexa how to perform CPR, look it up on your phone, or watch a YouTube video. The time to be prepared for an emergency is before the situation occurs. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use such information, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
What Is CPR?
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is an emergency procedure performed when the heart stops beating.
The resuscitator alternates between compressing the chest to pump the heart and providing breath through the mouth for oxygen. Keeping the blood flowing and even small amounts of oxygen can help preserve life until emergency responders arrive on the scene.
Unlike what is often presented in movies, CPR will not restart the heart and revive the individual. An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is the only way to restart the electrical charge of the heart, so it’s vital to call 911 or acquire an AED during CPR.
When Might a Child Need CPR?
We usually think of CPR being needed for elderly individuals, or during heart attacks or strokes. But children can need CPR, too.
CPR is needed when a child is unresponsive. This means that the child’s heartbeat and breathing stop. Some causes for unresponsiveness include:
- Choking
- Drowning
- Electrical shock
- Excessive bleeding
- Head trauma or other serious injury
- Lung disease
- Poisoning
- Suffocation
Does My Choking Child Need CPR?
If the choking child is still responsive, they don’t need CPR; they need to have the obstruction removed. A choking child might:
- Have a weak or no cough
- Have a high-pitched squeaking noises or no sound
- Have pale or blue skin color
- Be unable to cough or cry
- Have a panicked, confused, or surprised appearance
Although the child is responsive, these symptoms are still life-threatening and you should call 911 immediately. It’s better to have emergency services available if you’re unable to clear the airway.
How Can I Prevent Choking?
Cut all food into bite-sized pieces. Ensure that no food is circular shaped; foods like hot dogs, grapes, blueberries, etc., should be cut in half or quarters. Sticky food (like peanut butter) should be used sparingly. Provide a drink with meals
Where Do I Learn CPR?
Take time, even today, to gather basic CPR knowledge. You can read informative and infographic articles on the internet or watch YouTube videos.
But don’t stop there! Sign up for a CPR class that lets you practice on dummies, get feedback from instructors, and feel confident in CPR techniques. There is no substitution for getting certified in CPR.
The American Red Cross and American Heart Association offer regular in-person classes in your area. You also might be able to find other local certification agencies by searching “CPR classes near me” in a search engine.
There are online CPR classes, like those from the National CPR Foundation. However, these are not as valuable as in-person classes because you can’t practice on dummies, get feedback from instructors, or ask questions. If you’ve never taken a CPR class before, choose a local class instead.