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PAILblogger Julia of 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Baby recently posted about her toddler’s terrifying choking incident. He’s fine now because his quick-thinking mom had been CPR certified and knew how to react.
Working with children, I’ve done this a couple of times, but not on my own child. After a mom in my mom’s group had a scary seizure incident with her son (leading to them having to do CPR) I printed off a CPR and Choking infographic which is posted on each floor. Though I didn’t need it for this incident (muscle memory just kicked in) I was thankful to have it. My previous CPR/1st Aid classes (which I’ve taken probably a dozen times) were in my mind.I am thankful that I’ve learned over the years to recognize the signs of actual choking, and practiced those skills… as well as the fact that I never leave the area when Ethan is eating.
I personally got CPR certified a few years ago as part of my training for work as a toddler teacher in a childcare center, but even then I never felt completely comfortable. I checked online every few months to refresh myself on the steps involved in checking airways, doing chest compressions, and giving breaths. It’s now been about six months since my certification expired and I know my husband and I both need to get certified.
Choking is one of my parenting fears, and even then, I’ll admit to popping into the kitchen around the corner from my girls from time to time while they’re eating. I never leave for long… but it doesn’t take long for a child to choke, either.
Julia’s post contains some important links to information on CPR certification. We’ll supplement here with a few of our own: The American Red Cross has a search tool for finding CPR certification courses in your area (US only). Here’s the same search tool for the Canadian Red Cross. International friends beyond the US and Canada, a quick Google search should turn up courses if available in your area, and there are also a number of online certification courses, although I can’t speak to their efficacy or accreditation.
Please go read Julia’s short but powerful post. It will really help drive home how easily a choking incident can occur, even when you’re normally cautious with cutting up your child’s food carefully.
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