Do you remember these guys from the show Emergency! Well, I thought they were cute as a girl, and as a Fit After Thirty woman I still think they’re cute. But as a mom, the idea of paramedics takes on a whole new meaning than cute guys to ogle in their tight blue pants. My worst fear is that paramedics would one day have to be called to my house because of a health or safety risk to one of my kids. But if it were to happen, I’d like to know that I was prepared to do whatever I needed to help my kids before the paramedics arrived.

So let’s talk CPR - what every mother hopes she will never have to perform on her children, or anyone else’s.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is done when a child is not breathing (respiratory arrest) and the heart has stopped beating (cardiac arrest).  Doing CPR may help start the child’s breathing and heart beating again. If you start CPR early and do it correctly you may prevent an infant or child from dying.

When a child’s heart stops, brain death begins between 4-6 minutes later, and the chances that the ambulance will arrive before that is unlikely, so every parent should be prepared to administer lifesaving support.

Over the past 5 years the way we perform and do CPR has changed dramatically. If you are expecting parents or the parents of a newborn or a toddler, then it wouldn’t hurt to take a refresher course.

Why take the time to learn infant CPR and choking safety?

Because #1 killer of infants & toddlers is choking (AAP –American Academy of Pediatrics). 

CPR started immediately can DOUBLE a victims chance of survival (AHA-American Heart Assoc). 

Why would an infant or child need CPR?

The most common reasons that a child stops breathing and then their heart stops beating are the following: 

Choking, suffocation and strangulation

Drowning

Injuries

Poisoning

Infection

Medical conditions that affect breathing:  heart disease, asthma, SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Where can you learn CPR?

The American Red Cross and American Heart Association offer community classes in your neighborhood and in your hospitals and you can contact them directly for their class schedule.  There are also some private companies who teach it as well.

Here in San Diego, I found a place called Baby-Crib Notes, which focuses on infant and child CPR classes for expecting parents, parents of toddlers and other family members and babysitters.

Crib Notes offers Infant & Child CPR classes that are based on the American Heart Association curriculum. The classes typically last 11/2 –2 hours and are tailored to the specific students needs. The unique thing that Crib Notes does is also offer private classes that can be taught in your home or group location. They have taught CPR to mommy playgroups and Stoller Strides mom groups.

If you have a hectic schedule this a great, convenient way to take the class in your own environment.

Nationwide Listing

I found a great CPR Training Directory online that gives companies offering these types of services in many other states. I urge all Fit After Thirty moms (and dads) to take a course!