CPR AND CHOKING EMERGENCIES

CPR & Choking Emergencies

Teachers are to be prepared for the possibility of emergency situations. They
must plan for emergencies and be prepared to handle them calmly, quickly, and
efficiently. The best way to prevent/respond to emergencies is to plan
ahead.

A 5 year old in preschool was having lunch in the lunchroom. He was talking,
while eating, to his friends. A piece of meat went down his throat. He immediately
started coughing and gasping for air. The caregiver must first try to remove the object
from the airway. This is to be done only if it can be seen. Be careful not to push the
object back further into the throat. If the object doesn’t come out emergency medical
assistance should be called. If the child is conscious the caregiver should then stand
behind the child with arms around his waist to use the Heimlich maneuver. This should
be continued until object is out of child’s mouth or child becomes unconscious. If child
is unconscious and mot breathing emergency assistance should be called. Place child on
flat surface (floor), on his back. Look inside child’s mouth and remove any object that
can be seen. Then begin CPR. Continue until child is breathing or help arrives.

A 4-5 year old preschool class is at summer camp. A four year old, who wanted
to be the first in runs to jump into the pool. Unaware of where he was running jumped
into the larger pool. A staff member jumps in after him. The child is mot breathing and
needs mouth to mouth resuscitation. One staff is calling for emergency assistance while
another caregiver if performing CPR. Because large amounts of water may have been
swallowed the child’s head should be turned to one side to decrease the possibility of
choking. Even if child appears to be ok medical attention should still be obtained.

Response can be effective during an emergency is plans and preparations are
made ahead of time. Good planning and preparation help emergency situations transpire
quickly and smoothly. A child’ life could be saved by using these techniques. It also
helps children and staff to remain calm when they know what to do when emergencies
arise. CPR and first aide training’s are important in the event of emergencies. I believe
that one staff in each classroom should know how to administer CPR and first aide. All
teachers should know basic first aide procedures. Knowing what constitutes and
emergency and when to call for help is important.

To ensure that you are prepared to handle emergency situations plans should be in
place. Procedures for handling emergencies should be established and practiced.
Caregivers should have first aide kits available with the necessary supplies for
emergencies. Emergency contact numbers of children in care should be on file. I believe
each teacher should have a copy in their class for each student where they can access it
quickly. A copy should also be in the class outing backpack or bag. Parental permission
forms giving authorization for medical treatment for each child should be in place.
Emergency phone numbers such as: police, fire, and poison control are to be placed by
the telephone.