Do you know how to perform CPR on a child? On your child? I didn't until last week and I'm sure this is going to be one of the most important skills I have learned this year. As I'm writing this post, I'm watching a news story about a local toddler who fell into her backyard pool yesterday. The fact that her mother was able to perform CPR saved her life.
There are lots of 'must have' items for new parents. People love writing these kinds of lists, and stores especially love handing them out. I remember my husband and I walking into our first baby store. It was clear we had no idea what we were doing, so we were quickly approached by lovely lady with a list of "Newborn Essentials". This list was long, it was double sided and looking back it contained an awful lot of completely unnecessary items. This was one of many 'essential' lists we were handed that year.
Some lists were practical, some not so much. What I've now realised is that there were two items missing of every one of those lists. The first is a coffee machine. Honestly, you're never going to sleep again - spring for a Nespresso machine! The second is much more important and is a first aid course.
I was recently invited to attend a kids first aid course run by Kids First Aid. I have to admit that going to a first aid course on a Sunday morning wouldn't have been my first choice of activity, but I'm so glad that I did. Unlike other first aid courses I have completed, this course focused ONLY on first aid for children, and with a 1 and 3 year old it was so useful. Kids First Aid is owned and operated by Paramedics, and they certainly know their stuff. The course focused on 10 of the most common accidents that happen to children, and very clearly showed us what to do in those vital minutes until an ambulance arrives.
The course was confronting in parts, as the instructor, Katie, shared some very real situations that she had attended in her career as a paramedic, but the atmosphere was fun and friendly and I know that I walked away wanting everyone I knew to go and do the course (in fact I'm sending my Mum and Mother in Law to one soon).
I have always worked in environments where I knew that in an emergency there was always going to be other people nearby who were a lot more qualified than I was. As a mum, I'm often the only one with my children. Before this course I honestly would have panicked in an emergency situation, and now I feel much more prepared.
I walked out of there feeling confident that in an emergency I would be able to step up and help my child or somebody elses. During the course Katie shared a few letters from parents who had used the skills in the course to save their own child's life and I encourage you to read some of their letters here if you are in any doubt about the importance of learning these skills.
You can find available course dates and locations here.
Kids First Aid offers the only first aid courses delivered exclusively by experienced paramedics, designed to teach parents and caregivers how to respond calmly and confidently to 10 of the most common first aid emergency situations involving children. KFA courses are available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Perth and Adelaide. To book and find the closest course visit www.kidsfirstaid.com.au. Email now to secure 10% discount.
I am lucky enough to be able to offer one reader the chance to attend a 3 hour Kids First Aid class. All I ask is that you answer a few short questions after the course. If you would like a chance to go along to a Kids First Aid class, and are able to attend one of the locations please email [email protected] with Kids First Aid in the subject line and tell me why you want to attend a Kids First Aid class.
Kids First Aid have also kindly offered a Kids First Aid Kit (paramedic endorsed) valued at $35.95 as a prize to one of our readers. You can enter below. Australian residents only.
*I was not paid for this review, however I was given a complimentary ticket to the course. All opinions are my own.
Tracey Taylor
Saturday 24th of October 2015
As an ex teacher new nanna this is something that all children need.
christine morris
Tuesday 13th of October 2015
Thanks for the chance, this would be a real handy Kids First Aid kit, they can learn from this.