Many parents around the country are encountering a major problem – finding a trusted babysitter to take care of their children while they’re away.
In fact, a recent American Red Cross poll of parents indicated 55 percent of respondents said they decided to stay home because they could not find a trusted babysitter to watch their kids. The poll also showed 30 percent of respondents noted they rejected a babysitter due to safety concerns.
So what defines a “trusted babysitter”? Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid training, of course!
According to the American Red Cross poll, the majority of parents said they believed babysitters should earn more if they:
- Know how to assist a child who is choking.
- Can identify potential emergencies and items that could be hazardous to small children.
- Can provide immediate first aid for minor cuts and bruises.
Furthermore, 77 percent of parents with children younger than 17 noted they believed teenagers should receive some CPR and/or first aid training before they begin babysitting.
The Importance of CPR and First Aid Training for Babysitters
CPR and first aid training can deliver far-flung benefits for babysitters for a number of reasons, including:
- You’ll learn how to evaluate the scene of an emergency.
For babysitters, preparation is paramount. And if you understand the signs of an emergency, you’ll be able to minimize risk.
Fortunately, CPR and first aid training ensures you can identify safety risks in any environment, at any time. As a result, you’ll be able to dedicate the necessary time and resources to eliminate such dangers and prevent potential emergencies.
CPR and first aid training also guarantees you’ll understand how to respond in the worst-case scenarios. That way, if an emergency arises, you’ll know exactly what to do and can provide a child with unparalleled support.
- You’ll be able to determine the victim’s needs in an emergency.
Let’s face it – although you’d like to believe that every babysitting appointment will be stress- and emergency-free, there are no such guarantees.
For example, a child’s allergic reaction that happens under your watch may escalate if you’re not careful.
However, CPR and first aid training ensures you’ll be able to recognize a victim’s symptoms in an emergency. And even though no two emergency victims are identical, the proper CPR and first aid training guarantees that you can better understand a victim’s needs in a life-threatening situation and respond accordingly.
- You’ll know when to call 911.
CPR and first aid training provides you with lifesaving skills and know-how to help you aid a child in an emergency. But it is important to note that even with this training at your disposal, critical scenarios may arise that will require you to call 911.
So how do you know when an emergency escalates beyond your control? CPR and first aid training will teach you emergency response basics as well as provide you with tips to ensure you’ll know when to call 911 before a babysitting emergency escalates beyond your expertise.
In addition, after you’ve completed CPR and first aid training, you’ll know how to assist a child until advanced medical personnel arrive on scene. This means that you can administer critical assistance, and ultimately, may be able to boost a child’s chances of survival in a life-threatening situation.
- You’ll be better equipped to administer immediate first aid.
Understanding the ins and outs of basic first aid is vital for babysitters of all ages. Meanwhile, basic first aid training is available that will teach you how to administer immediate first aid to a child.
A basic first aid class covers a number of topics that every babysitter needs to know, including:
- How to help kids who suffer muscle and bone injuries, seizures and trauma
- Different types of hot and cold emergencies
- Allergic Reactions
As part of a basic first aid class, experienced instructors will teach you about basic first aid and respond to your concerns and queries as well. Thus, you’ll be able to enjoy a comprehensive learning experience, one that ensures you are equipped to administer immediate first aid with confidence.
- You’ll be able to identify the signs of choking instantly.
A child choking emergency can occur without notice, and if you’re unprepared for it, the incident could become fatal. But if you enroll in a CPR class, you can learn how to deliver child, infant and adult CPR properly.
Becoming CPR certified is essential for a babysitter, and a CPR class covers numerous topics that every babysitter needs to know, including:
- Use of an automated external defibrillator (AED)
- How to assist conscious and unconscious choking victims of all ages
- The importance of adult, infant and child CPR
The National Safety Council notes choking represents the fourth-leading causing of unintentional death in the United States. Thanks to a CPR class, you will understand how to support a choking victim, and as such, may be able to save a victim’s life.
Enroll in CPR and First Aid Classes at SureFire CPR
Want to show parents that you’re a “trusted babysitter”? Enroll in CPR and first aid classes at SureFire CPR, and you can reap the benefits of a superior learning experience.
At SureFire CPR, we offer many CPR and first aid courses designed to empower students with life-saving skills. Our classes are even taught by emergency medical technicians (EMTs), firefighters and other medical personnel who will share their expertise with you and ensure you can learn how to deliver life-saving support.
SureFire CPR also serves as a premier provider of CPR and first aid training in Southern California. For years, we’ve focused on a simple mission – providing students with the confidence to act in an emergency. We continue to support this mission by offering courses that teach students how to become life-savers.
Take advantage of any of our CPR and first aid classes, and you can become a babysitter that parents can trust consistently.
