CPR and Choking Emergencies

Shayla Graves

Application3

Section3: CPR and Choking Emergencies

EDUC 1005-2

Emergencies occur in many different settings with different age groups it’s important that all teachers have proper knowledge and training of basic emergency response procedures when working with children of all ages. 

In this section I will give you two scenarios in which a child was choking and another when a child needed CPR. 

A four year old child in a preschool setting was at the lunch table enjoying lunch when a piece of food became lodge in her throat she began coughing and trying to catch her breath.  My first instinct would be too, help this child immediately but calmly not to frighten the other children.  It’s apparently that her airway is only partially blocked because she can still cough.  I would first encourage her to try to cough up the food while I assist her with hitting on the back, if that wasn’t to work and she began suffocating and unable to breath properly I would quickly move on to my next step.  My next step would be to begin the Heimlich maneuver which consist of back blows and abdominal thrusts to assist in clearing the throat after preforming two sets the food became dislodge and the child was able to breath.  I immediately offer the child some water and contacted her parent/legal guardian to make aware of the incident.  I also fill out a detail incident report to have on file.  Children choke on objects for many different reason, lunch time is essential for teacher to keep their eyes on their students to avoid emergencies such as this one. \

My second scenario a two year old child in a toddler setting is found lying on the floor on their back unconscious, the first thing I do is shake child and see if they’re going to respond while my assist teacher remains with the other students and calls 9-1-1. When no response but can feel a pulse I will then began to perform CPR.  CPR consist of giving thirty chest compressions two inches deep pushing hard and fast, next you will tilt head and lift chin I will then pinch nose and completely cover child’s mouth with my mouth giving the child two full breaths of air.  I will continue CPR until I see some sign of life or when the ambulance arrives and someone can take over the CPR in most cases continue CPR can give a child a fighting chances of survival. 

Both of these scenarios I am fortunate to say I have never been in a situation I had to use either one of these methods.  As a childcare provider it’s extremely important that you are CPR certified and you know how to react in a life threating situation. Having a safety plan and more than one teacher having training is essential.  Some steps we need to take is providng fully equipped first aid kits in every classroom and checking them monthly for supplies they may need.  Also having all emergency contact information and number to call close by in a known location where all workers can have immediate access in case of emergency situation.  Knowing the proper techniques and sticking to your health and safety plan can save a child life.

References

American Red Cross: Prepare for Emergencies with American Red Cross First Aid, CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Courses

    http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/courses/aed.html

American Heart Association: CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/CPRAndECC/CPR_UCM_001118_SubHomePage.jsp

Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid, which was designed specifically to meet the needs of childcare workers)