CPR and Choking Emergencies

CPR and Choking Emergencies

An emergency can happen at anytime. Young children are at risk for being involved in a situation that has the potential to become a life or death scenario. In early childhood settings, the first step in preventing emergencies is to provide a safe environment for children. However, emergencies can still occur and being prepared will greatly lower injuries or even death. Early childhood professionals need to complete CPR and first aid training in order to provide appropriate care in the case of an emergency or injury.

Choking Child Scenario

An emergency situation that is probable in early childhood settings is a child who is choking. Here is a scenario to consider. A 3-year-old male in a preschool classroom who is choking on a small toy. The toy was brought from home without the knowledge of the teachers in the classroom. The proper emergency procedures should be followed to keep everyone safe. As one teacher sees the choking child, the other teacher should move the rest of the class away. The second teacher is in charge of keeping the rest of the class engaged as the first teacher is providing care to the choking child.

The teacher should check the scene to determine if it is safe. Next, determine whether or not the child is breathing by asking if he is choking. If the child is still talking or coughing, encourage him to continue to do so. If the child stops breathing, tell the other teacher to call 911 and begin 5 back and 5 abdominal thrusts. This cycle continues until the object is out or the child begins breathing (Mayo Clinic, 2011). In addition, the parents or guardians need to be notified of the situation. The director or another teacher should complete this. If the child is transported to the hospital, the caregiver should travel with the child unless the parent has arrived to do so.

CPR Scenario

Another situation that can occur in early childhood settings is a child in need of CPR. This scenario involves a 4-year-old female in a part-day preschool program. The child is unconscious and unresponsive. There are two teachers in the classroom. One is facilitating a craft activity with a large group and the other is reading with the rest. The second teacher sees the female laying on the floor and approaches. She looks around the area and then touches the child and says her name. The child does not respond. She looks at the child for signs of injury. There are no visible signs of this. The teacher tells her coworker to call for emergency help. She then begins CPR and will continue until help arrives or the child begins breathing on her own. As with any emergency, the parents will be notified by someone from the center. The teacher will also accompany the child to the hospital if the parents are not able to arrive in time.

Preparedness

To be prepared in emergency situations, early childhood professionals need to have basic supplies and emergency information readily available. Some things to consider are whether or not the contact information of children and adults are updated. This is vital information in the event of an emergency. Additionally, a well-stocked first-aid kit should be located in each classroom. This kit needs to include supplies for common emergencies (Robertson, 2010). Bandages, gauze pads, a sling, adhesive bandages, scissors, wound wipes, cortisone ointment, and antibiotic ointment are items that should be included (Robertson, 2010). In addition to contact information and first-aid supplies, a well-trained staff will be imperative in emergency situations. Each childcare center should have an appropriate amount of staff that is trained in CPR and first aid. This training should be provided by the childcare facility and be a part of new employee training.

References

Mayo Clinic. (2011). First aid. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-choking/FA00025

Robertson, C. (2010). Safety, nutrition, and health in early education (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning.