The CPR and First Aid Skills Every Parent Should Know

Did you know that home injuries cause the deaths of about 2,000 children ages 14 and under each year?

Accidents will happen, and they can strike whenever, wherever. That’s why every parent should have a few basic CPR and first aid skills under their belt. An in-depth first aid and CPR education is the difference between helping a child re-attach a fingertip or watching them suffer without knowing how to help.

Want to learn how to perform CPR and first aid for kids? Keep reading to learn about life-saving skills every parent should know and practice!

CPR Techniques for Parents

CPR techniques for parents vary depending on the age of the child. For infants, compressions are done on the chest at a rate of 30 per minute. For children ages one to eight, compressions are done on the chest at a rate of 100 per minute. The recommended rate for compressions for adults is 100-120 per minute.

If you are uncomfortable giving rescue breaths, you can still do chest compressions only. Studies have shown that chest compressions-only CPR is just as effective as traditional CPR in terms of survival rates.

When performing CPR on a child, use one hand to do chest compressions. Place the heel of your hand in the center of the chest and press down with 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the chest. Allow the chest to completely rise in between compressions.

The American CPR Care Association provides extended opportunities for everyone willing to learn lifesaving techniques and the importance of CPR in an emergency. For those who want to be prepared before the emergency arises, online CPR courses cover all the basics for adults and infants. It is a convenient option for busy parents and everyone looking for a refresher course. Becoming a CPR-certified parent is easy, as it only takes three steps to get a printable course certification! Choose a course, pass the online exam, and receive the certificate via email.

A CPR certification is one of the most important things that parents can do to ensure their child’s safety. There are several online and offline resources that offer CPR certifications. For parents looking to get certified, visit site here.

First Aid for Choking

When someone is choking, it means that their airway is blocked and they cannot breathe. Choking is a medical emergency and it can be fatal if not treated quickly. If you are with someone who is choking, the first thing you should do is call 911.

Then, you should give them five back blows between their shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. If that does not work, you should do five chest compressions. If the person is still not able to breathe, you should alternate between the back blows and chest compressions until they are able to breathe on their own or until emergency medical help arrives.

First Aid for Bleeding

If you see someone who is bleeding, it is important to take action immediately. Bleeding can lead to shock and death if not treated properly.

First, you should have the victim sit down and apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. If the bleeding is severe, call 911 or your local emergency number. If the bleeding is not severe, you can try to stop the bleeding by using a tourniquet.

CPR and First Aid: An Essential Skill for Every Parent

As a parent, it’s important to know how to administer CPR and first aid in the event of an emergency. With this knowledge, you can be prepared to take action in a potentially life-threatening situation. Take a CPR and first aid class to learn the skills you need to keep your family safe.

In addition, consider buying a first aid kit and keeping it up to date. And be sure to review your CPR and first aid skills with your family regularly.

We have many more tips for parents like this one on safety in the home. Check out our blog for more!