Every parent experiences some amount of anxiety when they leave their child with a babysitter. Visions of terrible accidents or alien abductions have distracted more than one parent to the point where they can’t enjoy their well-deserved night out. Many of these fears are, of course, irrational; however, there is always the possibility that accidents will occur. For these situations, it is important to use a babysitter that knows first aid.

First Aid refers to the emergency care of a victim of a sudden injury or a sudden illness. First aid is not intended to solve medical problems; it is only intended to keep the victim as safe and stable as possible until more skilled medical personnel can arrive. First aid can be anything from putting a Band-Aid on a cut to treating a minor burn to stabilizing a person who has fallen down a flight of stairs. First aid is intended to keep the victim’s condition from getting worse, and possibly to provide pain relief. A few moments of first aid can, in a critical situation, mean the difference between an eventual recover and death.

There are several ways that a babysitter can learn basic first aid. The Girl Scouts and the Boy Scouts both have first aid programs that you can participate in if you are a member of one of these groups. The American Red Cross offers first aid training, either as a stand-alone class or as a part of a babysitter training course. Other community organizations may also offer basic first aid training, as well. Some schools, both high schools and colleges, may offer basic first aid training as part of a general course or on its own. There are even first aid courses available online that can teach you basic first aid. Whatever method your babysitter uses to learn first aid, it is important that you veryify her credentials so that you can be comfortable that your children are going to be in good hands.

In addition to basic first aid training, you may wish to use a babysitter that has had Infant and Child CPR training. Here again, the American Red Cross is available to provide CPR training. At one time the American Red Cross Babysitting course included CPR training, but in many locations the babysitting course is now offered without CPR. Other organizations, like the ones that offer first aid training, may also be able to offer CPR training. When you discuss First Aid with a potential babysitter, be certain to specifically discuss whether or not she has had CPR training as well.

Posted in Child Care Issues

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