I want reinforce the importance of taking a First Aid and CPR course. Don’t zone out yet. This issue became front and center this week when we learned that one of our clients had to perform CPR on her 4 month old baby. He had a heart attack and she was the one who had to administer CPR. WHN requires all its caregivers to get certified not because it seems like a nice credential but because it is necessary for anyone taking care of children. You may never have to use it, but it could also mean a matter of life or death.

This morning we met with a nanny whom we’ve placed over the course of 10 years. Her CPR was expired. We recommended she renew it. She told us while she never had to use it on her charges, it came in very handy when she spotted a choking child in the park. That child’s nanny had no idea what to do. Our nanny had the training and was able to help.  In our own office, one of our placement counselor’s son choked on a baby carrot. She was able to administer the Heimlich maneuver (which she learned in this course) and dislodge that carrot.   I am always shocked to learn that it not a requirement for all teachers to have the certification. It seems illogical to think because there is a school nurse on the premises (not necessarily nearby and not always present ) that a classroom teacher doesn’t have to be trained. If you are a parent, caregiver, or a teacher make sure you sign up for a course. There are online options but we recommend taking this course in person and learning how to do chest compressions. Local hospitals, American Heart Association, Red Cross are some of the places where you can get certified. Make yourself a promise to get this done!

(Photo courtesy of eclipsecpr.com)