First Aid for Children

Yesterday when I was at my cousin’s engagement ceremony, I came to know that the night before, while the family was busy preparing for the occasion, the nephew Syafiq (21 months old) choked on a seemingly harmless bite of orange.

A small piece of orange.

That was all it took, to send the mom (and everyone else) into a panic state.

Thank God for the cousin herself (the one who was getting engaged), she happens to be a volunteer in Jabatan Pertahanan Awam, and she is well equipped with a knowledge of first aid for a choking and CPR. She delivered a few blows on Syafiq's back, and Alhamdulillah, a while later he was back on his feet and laughing again.

Phewwwww….that was close. And it was such an eye opener to me!

This was a statistic that I found online. And this was for England, a developed nation.

I am not sure about the statistics in Malaysia (could not find it online. Anyone?), however, I think that majority of the parents here are probably not equipped with basic first aid.

Even if we do have some knowledge about it, chances are that a number of us are confused and unsure of what is the right way to administer first aid especially to babies and toddlers. Syafiq’s mom tried to do the Heimlich Manoeuvre which apparently was the right choking first aid, but she missed out the back blow.

So here is my plea:

Please, please, please make an effort to learn it. You never know when you will need it, be it your own child, or others.

Even if you can’t sign up for a volunteer organization like my cousin did, at least, do some readings and print it out for your quick reference or refresher. Or maybe you can scout around for a first aid class, I am sure there are plenty out there.

I am so grateful that I had the chance to go for a proper first aid training back in 2007 (my company sponsored it!), but still, as a trained person, I do not think that I am confident enough now. Looks like I have to do a refresher for my own. And perhaps educate my hubby and the rest of the family.

Here are some useful links about first aid for children:


Speaking of first aid, did you know that it is also essential to have a fire escape plan and fire drill in your home too?

Now go do your homework!

I may sound paranoid, but hey, better safe than sorry!

Comments

Unknown said…
thanks for the information dear. i think i need to learn one too even though i have no child of my own right now. :)
Ayuni A. said…
Np Aim :) Yup,good for you. Its very a very useful skill to have :)
mommynadia said…
yelah,have a concern about this before, but never took action to equip myself with the rite knowledge..
thanks for the links and info..

thx again for head up dear!
Ayuni A. said…
mommyNadia: no problem dear. Love to share info. thanks for dropping by! :)

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