Baby Emergency Handbook – Review and give away
July 24, 2008 by Marijke Durning, RN
Filed under Women's Health
I’ve mentioned it before here, I’m sure, but not only am I a nurse, I’m also a former first aid instructor. To me, first aid is a basic skill that I feel everyone should know. In fact, I believe that people shouldn’t graduate from high school without that and CPR.
I was offered the chance to review a brand new book called The Baby Emergency Handbook, by Lawrence E. Shapiro, PhD, Richard L. Jablow, MD, FACEP, and Julia Holmes.
As a mother of three with my experience in nursing and first aid, I know what I consider to be a good first aid book. First and foremost, it has to be reader-friendly and easily understood. A first aid book that speaks above the level of the reader or rambles is no good at all – in my opinion.
So these are the things I look for:
- Simplicity
- Clarity
- Functionality (how easy is it to find information)
- Appropriateness
- Accuracy
- Anything extra I’m not expecting
I’m pleased to say that this book met all my requirements and then some.
Simplicity: The text is easy to read, the language is simple but it doesn’t talk down to you.
Clarity: The way things are explained are very clear. The divisions between topics are well defined. Where needed, text in bold offers great tips, called Parent Smart. The information in these tips range from what not to do if your child is burned to reminders for proper use of car seats. Some of these tips are in red – those are one to pay special attention to. There are also Baby Alerts throughout. These are tips specific to the baby, such as the difference between babies and adults when doing the Heimlich maneuver if a baby is choking.
Functionality: The book is divided into four sections:
- Introduction: When Bad Things Happen to Good Babies
- Ten Ways to Get Faster Help When Your Baby Is in Danger
- The Emergencies
- Appendices
The emergencies are listed in alphabetical order and the titles of each page are listed down the left hand side of the book so you can easily see them as you flip through the book. There’s no need to open the book completely and examine the titles at the top of each page. While this may seem like a small thing – if you’re stressed and close to panic, this is an easy way to find what you’re looking for.
Appropriateness: The topics are very wide ranging, from what to do if your baby is stung by a bee to burns. The authors also cover prevention – which I like to see in a first aid book. It’s much better not to have to do first aid at all.
Accuracy: From what I can see, there’s nothing I’d quibble over in the accuracy of the information provided.
Extras: What I really like too is that there are appendices. One is a list of Emergency Hotlines (although I would have liked to see Canadian numbers in there too), but not just the ones you may expect. The authors have included crises lines, abuse hotlines, and even the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This section also has some forms for you to use if you wish. One is “Your Baby’s Health at a Glance,” where you can fill in all the pertinent details. There is also a sheet for personal emergency contacts. Finally, the part that I really like is the visual (images) of what to do if your child is choking.
See what the book looks like:
So – you may have guessed by now that I really do like this book and I feel that every parent should have this one – or one like it – in their home. A book like this would make a great baby shower gift or just something that you would give because it’s a valuable tool.
You can buy it at Amazon.com and I’ve been given one copy to give away to a reader here at Womb Within. To win a copy, starting today and running until August 7th at 11:59 PM EST, answer this question in the comment section: Have you ever taken a first aid or CPR course? If not – would you consider taking one? That’s it.
All *eligible* repsonses will be put into a randomized draw and the winner will be announced within a week after the contest ending. You must check your emails to see if you have won. It may be that my email goes into your spam filter so be sure to check there too. I have several prizes (two of the children’s books, for example) that have not been claimed yet. If you are the winner, you have 2 weeks to get back to me or else I draw another winner.
If you aren’t the winner, you don’t want to wait, or you have more than one person in your life who could use this book, you can click on this Amazon.com link to place an order:
Good luck!
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No, and yes, haha
Yes, for my employment I had to be certified.
Yes, I have taken a CPR class.
Yes I have but I do need a brush up class
Yes I have taken a CPR class. It is so reassuring to have this knowledge, especially now I have a family of my own.
I took cpr in college when I was a babysitting instructor for the Red Cross, although I remember alot I should take it again for the sake of my own children.
As a teen yes, it has been awhile
cpr several times
I have my first child on the way, I’m only 19 and really don’t know much about baby emergencies. This book would really help me.
I’ve taken a cpr class 15 years ago and I need to update it.
I have never taken a CPR class
I have not taken a first aid class nor a CPR class. However, if presented with the opportunity, I would definitely take both courses.
I have taken a number of CPR classes.
Would love to get this book for my daughter who has just had her 1st baby.
I hope to never need it but it will probably come in handy. Thanks for the chance.
I have but it has been a while and I need to take another.
I took them in college, but I could use a refresher course.
Everyone should know CPR. This would be a great book to have in the house.
Never took the class, but my husband did. The book sounds great!
I have taken adult and child cpr classes and should probably take them again.
I have never taken the class, yet.
Yep I take a class every year/two years, I work with children so I have to always be certified for child/adult cpr and first aid. And even if I didnt have to have it for work I’d still have taken the class because it gives alot of valueable information.
Yes! I used to work with kids, and being certified in CPR and first aid was a job requirement. (Although it’s a great course for ANYONE to take. I really should refresh my knowledge!)
I have taken a class, but it’s been a while and I should probably take a refresher course now that my baby’s here.
I took a CPR class years ago but could definitely use a refresher. I would like to take a first aid class too. I think both of these would be helpful since my first baby is due the 23rd.
haven’t taken a class but i would
Yes I take the class every two years but this book still looks good…..
My husband is in the police academy and was required to take one. Now that we’re expecting our first baby (a girl), I really should take one too.
you can never know too much or be too prepared
I have taken both CPR and first aid, but it has been a while, really need a refresher.
cherylfrancisco@hotmail.com
I took a CPR course a while ago, but I know that the guidelines have changed.
No I haven’t taken a CPR class since I was in high school, but I did work in a doctors office and know most of the first aid rules. This is for my oldest daughter who is expecting her first child. This will really come in handy so she’s not running to the emergency room every time something happens.
I think that everyone should take a course on CPR. Yes I have taken the course and possibly need a refresher. This book looks like a
wonderfull help book.
I have not taken a class, but I would like to.
Yes I have taken the courses. It was the best thing I could have done as a grandparent. I have 2 beautiful grandson’s Tyler Lee & Lane Donnie.. I watch them and I would want to be prepared. So all you grandparents out there. Do this for them…
i took basic aid training.
no i never took any courses. yes i would consider.
every parent grandparent aunt uncle babysitter neighbor friend should have this book
yes, yes, yes I have taken and maintained my CPR and first aid certifications. I am fortunate that I haven’t needed to use it but will be ready if I need to.
First aid was a requirement to pass Freshman PE in highschool. We also did CPR on the Resuscitation Annie dolls. That was almost 8 years ago so I really need to take a refresher course!
Yes I have taken a CPR Course. I’d love to win this book as I will be a new mom this October.
Yes, back in high school
yes i took one a while back
I’ve taken first aid AND CPR 3 times, getting recertified to watch kids…and am getting recertified shortly as I am going BACK to work in a day care setting…very important to know.THANKS
Why didn’t they come up with this before!? Great contest!
I’ve never taken a first aid or CPR course but would like to!
I took both first aid and CPR in high schoo., but I want take it again.
I considered taking the infant CPR course while expecting and now that LO is here, its too hard to figure out how to fit it into my schedule…but i would love to take the class.
I have taken CPR. I have to stay cerified for work.