CPR:
- Good CPR saves lives
- 1st thing to do if a child is unresponsive, call for help or have someone else call for help.
- for an infant (less than 1) push jaw open to see if there is anything in their mouth. If not, start compressions. Press both thumbs in their chest (between the nipples) to the beat of Staying Alive (100 beats per minute). 30 beats, then two breathes. If there are two people do 15 beats and then 2 breathes.
- over 1 year old to puberty, lay them on the ground on their backs and start compressions, use one hand (the palm of your hand). You should be going into the chest about 2 inches. Same count for compressions.
- after puberty or for a large child use two hands.
- hold the nose when breathing into mouth. Try to get the chest to rise. For infants you may have to put your mouth over the nose and mouth.
Chocking:
- whole grapes are a big No No! Cut longways.
- hot dogs must be cut in half (long ways) not into rounds or give them a whole one to chew on
- popcorn is another one to watch close
- don't touch a child that is coughing and choking, don't put your finger in their mouth, just encourage them to keep coughing it up
- if they stop making noise or turn blue or are infants, then you may act
- children less than 1, hold them by their chin facing down to the ground, torso higher than their head, hit their backs 5 times. Turn them over, look in their mouth, if you see something remove it from their mouth. Do not do a blind finger sweep. Do that over and over until the object comes out or until they become unconscious. If they become unresponsive start CPR.
- in an older child (1ish) kneel behind them and wrap your arms around them palms of your hands in their belly to start thrusts.
- If a child swallows a button battery, magnet, or anything sharp don't let it pass through. Go to the ER right away.
- Be careful with balloons. If they pop pick up all the pieces immediately.
Extra safety tips:
- #1 death of infants is suffocation. Do not put anything in a crib with baby. Always place them on their back to sleep.
- always keep a close eye on a child around water. Even advanced swimmers can get tired and drown.
- always make your child wear a helmet when bike riding, skating, etc.
Concussions:
- If a child falls on their frontal scalp and immediately starts crying they are usually ok. As long as they are not vomiting, did not loose consciousness, all is good. Just monitor them for 24 hours. Falling on the back, top, or sides of their head at more than 4 feet is dangerous and likely to cause a concussion.
- the danger with a concussion is to get another head injury within two weeks of the first concussion.
- do not go into the ER asking for a head CT. Only get one if the Doctor recommends it for your child. CTs will expose your child to radiation. So, if the doctor does not feel it is needed, trust their judgement.
Thanks again Kim for the awesome Talk!
Also, happiest of birthdays to these lovely ladies!
Now I have to go tie up all the blind cords in my house!
Sending you all safe vibes,
Jessica
