Infant and Child CPR

Remember all the stupid things you did as a kid, whether or not your parents were watching? Like climbing as high as possible in a tree, and then jumping out because it was easier and faster than climbing back down? Or that time you tried to see just how many marshmallows/hot dogs/grapes you could fit in your mouth? Okay, maybe the last one was just a few weeks ago, but you get the gist of it. My point is that you never know what kind of dangerous situations your kids may find themselves in.

Regardless of how old you or your children are, CPR and some basic first aid knowledge are invaluable life skills. When you consider that the human brain can die in as little as ten minutes without oxygen, and that it may easily take that long for EMS to arrive at the scene of an emergency, you can clearly see the value in learning CPR. My own father has resuscitated several people over the years in situations as innocuous as a high school banquet to sitting in church, so you never know when a skill like this will be required.

The American Red Cross offers local courses on infant, child and adult CPR as well as other first responder style courses. Their website has class info and a tool to locate the closest branch of the Red Cross. You may also want to check through your local hospital to see if they offer similar programs at lower or no cost. Some of these courses my be reimbursable through your health insurance provider.