Most school age students are typically not at-risk for heart failure or cardiac disease. However, school-aged children can still experience a medical crisis that involves a cardiac emergency. For parents, teachers, and peers, there is often nothing more life-changing than experiencing the loss of a child or friend. Subsequently, early bystander CPR is an essential life-saving tool for anyone whose has experienced a medical emergency involving a cardiac crisis.

Responder safety is one of the top priorities. CPR instruction that promotes the administration of 2 rescue breaths to school-aged students can often place the students at a greater risk of contracting communicable diseases resulting in a personal compromise to their personal safety. Furthermore, recent studies conducted on CPR have found that chest compressions are significantly critical to keeping an individual alive in the first few minutes after heart stoppage as opposed to  administering rescue breaths. In addition, people who don’t have extensive training in CPR  have a greater risk of giving improper rescue breaths resulting in the slowing down of overall compressions and breaths.

The proper administration of CPR by a bystander within the first few minutes of a cardiac emergency can be the factor that establishes the difference between a full recovery and mortality. If bystander CPR is administered soon after a victim has undergone cardiac arrest, the victim survival rate goes up to 45 percent. Sadly, with less than half of the people experiencing cardiac arrest getting immediate help, the overall survival rate for a person experiencing a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital is only 6 percent. 
Encouraging more bystanders to learn CPR, whether it be in the workplace or the school setting, can help reduce or eliminate a poor outcome. CPR, especially when learned in conjunction with AED training is the best way to get a heart pumping again after a cardiac arrest. Lucky for students, all schools are equipped with AEDs, so unlike many places where a cardiac arrest might take place, the victim survival rate in schools is better than in places without an AED. This is all the more reason for high school students to know how to administer CPR.

​Teaching CPR to school aged students is completely different that teaching CPR to adults. For example, an empowerment of educators is one of the most important elements necessary for facilitating a CPR class in the school environment. First, it is important to search for for CPR instructors that are engaging, knowledgeable, and instructors that can make the process of learning CPR fun. Second, it is also important to find instructors that have experience in both the healthcare and teaching fields.
If you don't have the time to find teachers and instead go immediately to the source, it’s important to find a CPR program that will come to your students. As a school administrator, you know how much of a logistical headache planning a field trip (or several) can be for your school. As opposed to attempting to transport dozens of students to a CPR training facility, try to locate a company that will come to your school to teach the CPR class to the health classes. However, it is important to remember that not every CPR training company is equipped to take their training sessions to the classroom. Find one that can come to your school or district.
​With our American Heart Association (AHA) accredited CPR class lasting just 2.5 hours, scheduling a CPR class with Help-A-Heart CPR is the perfect remedy. Get your students CPR certified here at Help-A-Heart CPR to comply with Texas legislative requirements and help save lives in the classroom and your school Contact us today to get started!

Every second counts when you are a bystander witnessing a cardiac arrest emergency. You will often need to find and use an AED quickly in order to optimize the patient's chance of survival. But what if you can’t locate the AED in your workplace or building? What if you begin to use it, and then discover that the batteries have expired? The chances of survival decreases by 7-10% for every minute that passes without defibrillation and CPR. If a bystander cannot quickly locate an AED, the results can be detrimental.
But just just having an AED isn’t enough! You need to be able to locate the device, start using it quickly but properly, and rely on it to be in good condition. The ABC's of an AED can help you ensure that AEDs are readily available, locatable, and functional. Subsequently, should a sudden cardiac arrest occur, you are prepared and knowledgeable.

So what is an AED? An AED is an automated emergency defibrillator (AED) which is a lightweight, portable electronic device that can be used in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. During cardiac arrest, the heart is no longer functioning correctly. It stops pumping blood to vital organs, including the brain. An AED will restore a regular heartbeat and help the heart start pumping blood again by delivering an electric shock to the heart and resetting its electrical system.

A-AED Management. 
The use of an AED is a simple process. An AED provides voice prompts and processes that are automated to ensure that users have the highest possible probability of success. 
However, it is important to remember that there are various things to manage the AED to ensure optimal use. These factors include battery life and condition, device location, and compliance with your state’s laws. The management of the AED allows you to coordinate all of this information and make sure everything runs smoothly. Ultimately, solid AED management helps ensure that your residential building, office, or facility is safe to be in!

B-Benefits of Maintaining AED.
The management of the AED can allow you to consider your location’s legal specifications and help you follow the rules. For example, Texas requires that at least one AED is present on each school campus and, for any gathering of a substantial number of students, the AED and an employee trained in AED must be readily available. Additionally, students must receive CPR training once in grades 7-12. At least one AED is required at each dental office, nursing home, convalescent facility, and pediatric extended care facilities, and at least one employee trained in CPR/AED must be on site. You can find out more about Texas AED requirements in the full Texas Health and Safety Code here.
Second, it is important that the AED be functional. An AED that is damaged or one that has expired parts might not work as quickly as an AED in good condition. Unfortunately, this inoperability could result in the loss of a life. For example, did you know that AED batteries can expire within 4 years? Or that AED pads can expire as well? Understanding teh ABC's of your AED can allow you to track the various expiration dates and battery condition, so that you can avoid the terrible situation of being stuck with an inoperable AED right when you need it most. Lastly, you can also establish reminders to make sure devices are replaced before their expiration dates and that all equipment is completely up-to-date.

C. CPR Certification Classes.
The last key component of AED management is AED user training. Despite AEDs being fairly simple to use, AED training can make a significant difference in the successful operation of an AED. When in a medical emergency people often panic and are less likely to follow proper instructions. AED training will allow you to feel better prepared to properly use the AED in the event of a medical crisis. In Help-A-Heart CPR’s Certification Classes, we instruct the proper use of the AED, the various AED components, while also conducting patient simulations while using the AED. Remember that every second matters and practice will help you make the most of your time and act with confidence.

Learn more about the ABC's of AED management with Help-A-Heart CPR.
At Help-A-Heart CPR, our quest is to encourage awareness and knowledge of emergency care. AED management is just one of many ways that you can be proactive about safety in your home or workplace. Feel free to contact us or give us a call at (210) 380-5344. We’re happy to help! 

Did you know that each year, more than 5,000 Americans die from work-related injuries, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics?
Group CPR training is a fun and effective method to learn CPR skills. Not to mention, investing in the health and well-being of the employee also allows employees to feel more valued. Additionally, scheduling a group CPR class for employees can also be a cost-effective choice for many organizations.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER GROUP CPR TRAINING?
Many organizations now require employees to receive CPR certification in order to comply with OSHA standards. But, even if it’s not a requirement, businesses can reap the benefits of group CPR classes. These are just some examples of who might benefit from group CPR training:

1. Corporate offices
2. Healthcare offices
3. Schools
4. Government buildings
5. Gyms and pools
6. Restaurants and bars

WHO TOPICS WILL BE COVERED IN A GROUP CPR CLASS?
During a group CPR course, our CPR and First Aid instructor will tailor the class to your workplace. We will provide you with lifesaving skills and  empower you with the ability to respond quickly during a medical emergency. Help-A-Heart's CPR's group CPR and First Aid class covers the following topics:

Administering CPR to people of all ages (Adult, Child, Infant)
Usages and considerations for AED
Assisting conscious and unconscious choking victims
Basic first aid skills

 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A GROUP CPR CLASS?
Through participation in a group CPR training, your team will have an opportunity to work together in both an unstructured and structured environment. Not only does this type of training build trust and comradery among team members but it can also increase the job morale of each employee.
The following are some of the benefits of Help-A-Heart CPR’s group CPR and First Aid training programs:

1. You can actually practice and learn in the environment in which the medical emergency may occur.
A great benefit CPR training in the workplace is that you’re practicing right in the very room or space where the potential emergency would occur. Each attendee will get hands-on experience administering CPR in the office or workplace, locating emergency supplies, finding the best phone to use, and more. Getting to practice right in the workplace will help your team get familiar with their surroundings and ultimately act faster in the event of an emergency.

2. It is much easier to fit a group training experience into the schedule of each person.
With the busy schedule that everyone is juggling these days, it can be difficult to fit a CPR or First Aid training class into your schedule. One benefit of group group CPR training is that you don’t need to schedule transportation or cut time from work––we will bring all training materials and equipment to you. If you have a staff meeting or a day-long event, corporate CPR training is the ideal group activity. Group training can easily be added to the agenda of any corporate training activity day.

3. Scheduling a Group CPR class can save your organization money.
Group CPR training can fit into your budget. The tiered pricing system at Help-A-Heart CPR is based on the number of people in attendance, so the more people who train, the more money you can save! We also offer discounts for non-profit organizations, so please contact us to discuss special pricing. It’s easy to get a customized quote! Just fill out this brief survey and we’ll provide a cost estimate based on your situation.

4. Everyone will have the opportunity to learn the same information and the same time.
If everyone has learned the same information and at the same time, during a crisis situation, a unanimous collaboration efforts can be extended. Ultimately, this team effort can mean the difference between life and death. One of the benefits of group CPR classes is that everyone will leave with the same foundation of knowledge. During the course, we’ll go through real-world scenarios and simulations so that your team will have a chance to practice working together and gain confidence in their role.

Here at Help-A-Heart CPR we will bring the training to you. Just schedule a day and time that is convenient for you and get everyone certified and trained at the same time.
Do you have more questions regarding a group CPR course? Feel free to contact us and a member of our team will get back to you. If you'd like additional information, you can also look here for more information on the group CPR training through Help-A-Heart CPR.
 

Summer is right around the corner and so are beach activities including trips to the beach, swimming, and diving. Now is the time to prepare. Beach safety is critical and should never be taken for granted.
So what can you do to enjoy a safe and yet pleasant time at the beach? Below are four beach safety tips you need to know about:

1. Be on the "lookout" for red warning flags.
Beaches utilize different flags to indicate the types of surf and currents expected. These flags usually come in a variety of colors, each with its own meaning.  
Look for a chart that highlights what each of the flag colors means; this chart often is posted at a beach’s main entrance. If you don't understand the chart make sure to ask a lifeguard about the surf and current conditions before you go swimming.
It is important to remember that not every beach is suitable for swimming at all times. But those who watch for warning flags can minimize their risks during any beach trip.

2. Make sure you know how to swim.
When was the last time that you went to be beach swimming? If it’s been several years, it may be valuable to take a basic swimming class to enhance and refresh your swimming skills.
Just a reminder that young children or inexperienced swimmers should always wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets in and the around water. It always is better to use pre-caution with a life jacket allowing the use to more safely splash, play and, of course, and swim during their beach excursion.
Lastly, you should never swim alone at the beach. By swimming with a friend or family member, you can enjoy a fun-filled experience without putting your life at risk.  

3. Make sure you know how to swim.
Rip currents can be menacing and can exist large open water areas and low spots and breaks in sandbars. Before you step in the water, it is critical to ensure that there are no rip currents.
However, in the event that you are caught in a rip current, try not to panic. Instead, you should remain calm, cool and collected and swim parallel to the shore. And after you are out of the current, turn and swim back to shore immediately.
Additionally, be prepared to help others who may be caught in rip currents. If someone is caught in a rip current, ask the lifeguard for assistance. And if the lifeguard is unavailable, don’t hesitate to call 911.

4. Dive with caution.
Diving headfirst into any body of water can create a significant risk. Subsequently, you should always jump in feet first to protect your neck. Subsequently, make sure that you know exactly where you’re diving by inspecting the water depth. Additionally, make sure the diving area is clear of any foreign objects or obstructions.

So how can a lifeguard assist you? The United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) reported the chance that a visitor will drown while attending a beach protected by USLA-affiliated lifeguards is 1 in 18 million, or 0.0000055 percent. 
Lifeguards provide crucial assistance at beaches and public swimming areas. However, sometimes they may not be around. That's why learning CPR and First Aid to assist with lifesaving skills is paramount. With our experienced instructors here at Help-A-Heart CPR you can receive the hands-on assistance you need to become CPR and First Aid certified.
Ready to enroll in a CPR training course at Help-A-Heart CPR? To learn more about our extensive CPR training programs, please contact us today at (210) 380-5344.

1. Both compressions and breaths are critical necessities in drowning, choking, drug overdoses, and pediatric CPR.
2. If you perform CPR, you can triple the person’s chance of survival.
3. Compressions should be performed at a rate of 100-120/min. (to the beat of staying alive)
4. For every minute that someone is unconscious and not breathing without CPR, they have a 10% less chance of survival.
5. 383,000 people suffer from cardiac arrest each year.
6. If someone is in cardiac arrest, CPR can only make the situation better.
7. The longest successful CPR save is 96 minutes long!
8. Many AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) will talk you through how to perform CPR with the press of a button.
9. The compression to ventilation ratio is 30 compressions to 2 breaths. Did you know that taking a CPR class can be done in less time than most movies?
10. Children as young as 9 have saved the lives of others with CPR.
11. With widespread access to AEDs at least 40,000 lives would be saved each year.
12. The life you save with CPR could most likely be a family member or loved one.
 
If you would like to become EMPOWERED with the knowledge of lifesaving skills; give Help-A-Heart CPR a call today to register for a CPR or First Aid class. You never know when the opportunity might arise that you'll need those skills.

Nursing is a rewarding profession for anyone looking to make a difference in the lives of others. However, before becoming a registered nurse, all nurses must be accepted too and complete nursing school. We have provided a few suggestions that may help you in the event that you are preparing for nursing school. It is important to know what to study, what to avoid, who to talk to, and how to use your time wisely. Below, we will give you a few suggestions.

There are a few different types of nursing degrees, each with a different trajectory to a nursing license. All degrees, however, give you the credentials you need to become an RN. The first choice is an associate’s degree, which allows you to become an RN without earning a bachelor’s degree. The second choice is a diploma program, which lasts two to three years and allows you to become an RN in less time than it would take to earn a bachelor’s degree. The final alternative is a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, which typically takes four years to complete and gives graduates the distinction of both a bachelor’s degree and a RN.

Are you wondering what you need to study to be accepted to nursing school but don't know where to look? Preparing for the standardized test is always a good choice. Two of the most popular standardized tests are the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam. The TEAS is Administered by ATI Nursing Education and covers the following topics: English language and usage, reading, science, and math. The TEAS must be taken prior to nursing school and many nursing programs use it as part of their application process. Subsequently, a good score on the TEAS can provide you with more options for nursing schools.

Unlike the TEAS, the NCLEX is given to all prospective nurses who have earned their nursing degrees. The NCLEX is considered most important exam of any nurse’s career, as it determines whether he or she is ready to practice as an entry-level nurse. The NCLEX covers a wide range of materials taught in nursing school, so studying for it before school even begins is a great way to get ahead on your coursework.

Almost all nursing programs require students to complete some type of prerequisites in order to enroll. These prerequisites can be completely different based upon the program so it’s best to check with your nursing school to see what is required. Nursing programs will have the application pre-requisites available on their websites and some of the common prerequisites include a high school degree, high school or college course experience in the biological sciences, math, and English speaking and writing proficiency.

Additionally, there are also extra experiences, titles, and certifications which can allow your nursing school application to stand out from other applicants. For example, becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) can illustrate to nursing programs that you’re ready to do the work it takes to become a nurse. Additional lifesaving certifications are also recommended. Becoming certified in laymen rescuer CPR, BLS, and/or ACLS will show the nursing programs that you have dedication to learning life-saving techniques. Another suggestion is enrolling in ECG and Pharmacology. This course will not only prepare you for nursing school but also for ACLS and PALS which you may or may not choose to take prior to nursing school. Lastly, becoming a CPR instructor also is a great way to increase your confidence in your skills and help improve your public speaking.

Do you still have more questions regarding nursing school? Our team at Help-A-Heart CPR is here to help. Contact us to have your nursing school-related questions answered and review our website to gain additional information on our lifesaving certification courses.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) empowers individuals with lifesaving skills providing them with knowledge to resuscitate someone who goes into cardiac arrest. Giving CPR can help preserve an individual’s brain function during cardiac arrest. Subsequently, learning how to assess and then perform chest compressions and ventilations/breath enables you to supply oxygen to a cardiac arrest victim. This important intervention increased the chance that you’ll be able to keep this individual’s blood flowing and vital organs alive.
Becoming certified in CPR offers numerous benefits, including:

1. YOU CAN SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE.
To better understand the impact of CPR in emergencies, let’s consider the following statistics from the American Heart Association (AHA):
a. 70 percent of Americans feel helpless to act in a cardiac emergency because they do not know how to perform CPR or their CPR training has significantly lapsed.
b. Only 32 percent of cardiac arrest victims receive CPR from a bystander.
Four out of five cardiac arrest incidents happen at home; this means a cardiac arrest victim is likely to be a loved one.
c. More than 359,000 emergency medical services-assessed cardiac arrests take place outside of a hospital.
d. For every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation, a cardiac arrest victim’s chances of survival decrease between 7 percent and 10 percent.
By taking a CPR class, a CPR-certified individual can help reduce the loss of life in emergencies.

2. YOU CAN IMPCACT THE SURVIVABILITY OF CARDIAC ARREST VICTIMS WORLDWIDE.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a global concern and yet very few people know or understand the complexity of the problem.
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute defines SCA as a condition that causes the heart to suddenly stop beating. When this occurs, blood stops moving to the brain and other vital organs throughout the body. Unfortunately, a victim of SCA can die if cardiac arrest goes unaddressed for more than a few minutes.
The AHA points out roughly 92 percent of SCA victims die before reaching the hospital. On the flipside, the AHA also indicates that immediate CPR can double or even triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chances of survival.
Becoming CPR-certified can make an immediate difference for a cardiac arrest victim and his or her family. And if you ever have to perform CPR, you could help increase the survival rate of cardiac arrest victims on a global level.

3. YOU CAN APPLY THESE SKILLS IN YOUR WORKPLACE.
​What would you do if one of your co-workers suddenly goes into cardiac arrest in the employee parking lot? If you know how to perform CPR, you can provide immediate support.
Knowing how to assess and then perform CPR suddenly makes you more valuable in your office. Therefore, those who devote the necessary time and resources to understand how to conduct this procedure can add yet another skill to their workplace repertoire.
CPR training programs are also available that make it easy for large groups of workers to learn CPR together. These programs usually don’t take long to complete, and after they’re done, they empower office workers to administer CPR as needed. Give us a call today to learn about our onsite workplace CPR and First Aid training programs.

4. YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO OPERATE THE AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILATOR.
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that may be used when an individual experiences a heart attack and is unresponsive. The AED analyzes the heart’s rhythm and delivers an electrical shock to the heart if needed. The AED ultimately determines if there is a shockable or non-shockable rhythm of which, then, the AED can help restore the heart’s rhythm.
In a CPR and First Aid class at Help-A-Heart CPR the student will learn all about AEDs, how they work and where to find them. CPR classes teach students how to effectively use an AED to help reduce the loss of life in cardiac arrest and first aid emergencies.

Here at Help-A-Heart CPR we offer onsite and off-site CPR and First Aid training. Whether you are a healthcare provider, a member of the general public, or a workplace group seeking to become more empowered in lifesaving skills; we have the class for you. Give us a call today at 210-380-5344.

Emergency healthcare providers often have pediatric advanced life support (PALS) training as well as pediatric emergency assessment, recognition and stabilization (PEARS). However, the majority of parents do not have the advantage of having this type of training.
For many new parents, one of the most common unknowns is how to recognize if your child is choking.
Infants  make lots of noise, and it is sometimes quite difficult to tell when a noise is a sign of an emergency. Here are a few ways to tell if your infant is choking. If you notice any of the following, especially while your child is eating, seek emergency medical help immediately.

1. The infant’s face becomes darker and/or develops a blue color.
2. The infant cries, but there is no sound.
3. The infant appears agitated and begins moving around.
4. The infant appears to not be able to breathe.

The following are five tips to assist in the administration of first aid to a choking baby:

A. Assess the situation. If a baby is not able to to cry or cough, something may be blocking the airway. If the baby is coughing or gagging, the baby’s airway may only be partially blocked. In this situation, it is important to continue to let the baby cough in the hopes of dislodging the object.
B. Call 911. If you’re unsure about what to do with a choking baby; call 911 or have a friend or family member call 911 for you. Time is imperative so the sooner you call 911, the sooner the infant can receive adequate advanced first aid and treatment.
C. Use back blows. To give back blows to the infant, place the baby face-up on one forearm and cradle the back of the head with the same hand. Next, place the other hand and forearm on the baby’s front, use your fingers and thumb to hold open the baby’s jaw and turn the baby over face-down on your forearm. Then, with the heel of your hand, give five firm back blows between the baby’s shoulder blades.
D. Perform chest thrusts. To perform chest thrusts, place your thumb and fingers to hold a baby’s jaw open and keep the baby between your forearms to ensure maximum head and neck support. Next, place the tips of two or three fingers in the center of the baby’s chest and push straight down on the chest approximately 1.5 inches. Administer five chest thrusts, and allow the chest to come back to its normal position after each thrust.
E. Repeat 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until the object is removed or emergency medical personnel have arrived.

CPR and First Aid are wonderful skills for parents to learn while gaining confidence needed to administer chest compressions and rescue breaths to their child or infant in the event of an unexpected choking emergency. These classes allow parents to practice CPR techniques while gaining real-world insights from medical personnel.
To find out more about upcoming Infant and Child CPR and First Aid classes, call us at 210-380-5344.

2021 has arrived, and there are various New Year’s resolutions you can make to keep you and your family healthy and well in the new year. A few of these resolutions include the following:

1. Become CPR and Basic First Aid-Certified
Participation in a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) class usually  only takes a few hours. However, the benefits are ongoing and can last a lifetime. During a CPR class, you will learn how to give proper chest compression and ventilation or breath, use an automated external defibrillator (AED), assist conscious and unconscious choking victims and more. Finally, upon successful completion of the CPR class, you will receive a CPR certification card that remains valid for two years. 
In addition to CPR classes, basic first aid courses are also available. A basic first aid class covers a wide spectrum of medical emergencies, including: allergic reactions, identifying stroke and cardiac arrest, bone and muscle injuries, identification and treatment of hypothermia, heat trauma, and heat stroke, seizures, and the identification and treatment of burns. Similar in class duration to a CPR class, a basic first aid course typically takes just a few hours to finish. Upon completion of a basic first aid class, you will then earn a basic first aid certification card.

2. Prepare Healthy Meals
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers several tips to help families prepare healthy meals. For example:
​A. Select fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain nutrients, minerals and vitamins that support a healthy diet.
B. Choose whole grains as opposed to refined varieties. Foods labeled with “100% whole grain” or “100% whole wheat” are healthier alternatives to foods that contain refined grains.
C. Add fat-free or low-fat milk or yogurt to your diet. Fat-free or low-fat milk or yogurt contains calcium and other nutrients and has less calories than whole milk.
D. Enjoy lean protein. Pork, chicken, beef, eggs and other foods high in lean protein will help you satisfy your hunger cravings.
E. Find healthy alternatives to high-calorie cream sauces and gravies. In order to avoid these high-calorie gravies or sauces when preparing meals; instead, use products with healthy alternatives such as low-fat parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon.
A proper combination of foods and nutrition will allow you to remain healthy in 2021 and beyond. Best of all, research shows that following a whole-foods-based diet may significantly reduce heart disease risk factors, body weight, and blood sugar levels, as well as decrease your risk of certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.

3. Get More Quality Sleep
Getting adequate sleep is an important part of one's overall health. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation can result in serious consequences. For example, lack of sleep may increase your risk of weight gain, heart disease, and depression.
There are many factors which contribute to sleep deprivation. Consequently, it’s important to focus on a schedule and lifestyle that accommodates sleep quantity and quality.
Additionally, decreasing screen time before bed, reducing light pollution in your bedroom, reducing caffeine intake, and getting to bed at a reasonable hour are some simple ways to improve sleep hygiene.
 
2021 has just begun so set a New Year’s resolution. Take advantage of any of the aforementioned New Year’s resolution and place you and your family in position to enjoy a happy and healthy 2021.

Young children are often care-free, reckless, and don't seem to adhere to personal safety. Their newly-found motor skills can create a mixture of unknowing behavior that requires constant supervision. For new parents and caregivers, this can be both stressful and frightening. However, with the added knowledge and skills, you can be prepared for any scenario. In this article we will review four essential safety tips can that can help you safeguard and protect the livelihood of your child.

1. ​Become CPR certified and learn how to administer choking aid. 

​First on this list of child safety tips is CPR. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a life-saving skill that can allow the preservation of brain function in the event of heart failure. CPR uses chest compressions and (often) artificial ventilation to ensure and maintain blood flow and provide oxygen to the brain. According to the American Heart Association, over 7,000 children suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest annually. The survival rates for children are dependent on the presence of an individual who knows how to perform a CPR immediately. To ensure that you are one of those individuals, it’s imperative to become CPR certified. During a CPR certification course with Help-A-Heart CPR, you'll learn how to perform CPR on adults, children, and infants so you’ll know just what to do in the event of a medical crisis.
CPR certification courses at Help-A-Heart CPR also teach students how to administer aid for another common emergency that toddlers often experience which is choking. The childhood fascination and interest in foreign objects approaching and/or entering the mouth can result in airway obstructions. Despite continuous parenting, choking events can and do occur.  Should complications arise in that moment, you need to be ready. CPR courses teach you how to administer specialized choking aid for children and infants as well as adults.

2. Keep your home free of hazardous areas.

There are various areas and items within the common household that can pose serious safety risks to your toddler. The most common safety risk accessible to many toddlers are household cleaning products. Detergents, polishes, oils, and other synthetic chemicals can be lethal if ingested. It is important to keep these items securely locked up or stored on unreachable top shelves with child-safe caps. If your toddler does manage to swallow something poisonous, immediately notify the Poison Help hotline at 1 (800) 222-1222.
Second, firearms and weaponry are another class of dangerous items often found in homes. If you own a weapon, make sure it is securely locked and hidden from your toddler.
Lastly, it is critical to address general areas in your home that may lead to injury for adventurous toddlers. For example, the corners of tables and countertops (which can be padded with foam), large staircases (which can be protected with a child-proof gate), and windows (which should always be locked). 

3. Prevent falls and burns.

​There are additional areas, besides windows and stairs, that can lead to serious fall injuries for toddlers. These may include basement and attic entries, recklessly leaving chairs next to counters or tables, and many things that the child may experience outside.. While quick locking and rearranging can toddler-proof your indoor space, you also need to outdoor-proof your toddler when he or she goes outside. Always carry disinfectant and bandages on trips to the playground, and make sure your toddler wears a helmet if he or she attempts to ride a bike. Most importantly, keep a close eye on your little one at all times.
Second, fire is yet another major hazard for toddlers not just at home but also outside the home. The kitchen is one of the biggest sources of fire and heat. Consequently, toddlers should be kept away from the fire source and/or kitchen away while you are preparing food. Toddlers should also be kept away from heaters or other hot objects in bedrooms and living rooms. Finally, keep hot items such as cups of coffee or hot food out of reach of your toddler. Teaching fire safety to toddlers should be a point of emphasis whenever possible, but if he or she does get burned, keep cold water on the area for several minutes, then apply a dry bandage. Also, make sure all smoke alarms are working in your home.

4. Automobile safety.

Last on the list is automobile safety. The car is a potential safety hazard for all passengers, especially young children. In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children. In 2018, 636 children 12 years old and younger died in motor vehicle traffic crashes, and more than 97,000 were injured. Of the children 12 years old and younger who died in a crash in 2018 (for which restraint use was known), 33% of the children were not buckled up. Child restraint systems are often used incorrectly. Unfortunately, an estimated 46% of car seats and booster seats (59% of car seats and 20% of booster seats) are misused in a way that could reduce their effectiveness. Parents and caregivers can make a lifesaving difference.
Always drive safely and ensure that your toddler is placed in a child-safety car set before even starting the ignition. Additional reminders are to never leave your toddler alone in the care, even if you’ll only be gone for a minute.

Would you like to learn more about pediatric and child safety? Are you ready to learn the necessary skills to keep your child safe in any situation? Our team at Help-A-Heart CPR is here to help. Email us or call us at (210) 380-5344 to get your questions answered and enroll in one of our pediatric and child CPR and First Aid classes today!