It goes without saying that the health, safety and overall well-being of our kids are paramount. For many parents, leaving the little ones in the care of others can be nerve-wracking. This is true, even when the children are at school.
Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) play a crucial role in nurturing and protecting young children. To effectively respond to emergencies, ECE professionals are required to have Standard First Aid with CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Level C certification. Whether you’re currently studying or preparing to work in a daycare or preschool, this training is essential. It is not just as a requirement. It’s a critical skill set that could save a child’s life.
Young children are susceptible to choking injuries.
Choking is a common emergency in childcare settings. “By 4 months of age, most babies start exploring objects by putting them in their mouths,” notes the Canadian Paediatric Society, “Starting solid foods, teething and exploring new environments are all milestones that increase a baby’s choking risk.”
Naturally, toddlers have small airways. Add their underdeveloped chewing skills and natural curiosity and the frequent practice of placing objects in their mouths becomes a very dangerous one. Not to mention, foods like grapes, hot dogs and nuts are common choking hazards. In some cases, children inhale small objects or pieces of food while laughing or talking. The resulting life-threatening airway blockage is a scenario in which CPR and first aid training can be life savers.
CPR training is a necessity for ECEs.
CPR Level C focuses on providing lifesaving techniques for infants, children and adults. As an ECE, knowing how to perform CPR ensures that you will be able to respond effectively when a child is choking or drowning. You will also be able to help people experiencing cardiac arrest.
When you are trained in CPR Level C, you will develop the skills to perform back blows and chest thrusts to relieve choking. As well, you’ll know how to administer CPR for infants and children whose breathing or heart has stopped. You will also know how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator) effectively.
“Each year in Canada, an estimated 60,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital,” reports the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, “The vast majority of cardiac arrests happen in public places or at home, and only one in 10 survives. But survival rates can double if someone takes fast action and performs CPR and uses an automated external defibrillator (AED).”
Those pursuing an ECE diploma must know CPR.
For Early Childhood Educators, having a Standard First Aid with CPR Level C certification is non-negotiable. Colleges such as Sheridan, George Brown and Seneca all outline in their ECE program curricula that students must have valid certification before participating in field placements. This ensures that all aspiring educators are prepared to handle medical emergencies in daycare centres, schools and other childcare environments.
As the Seneca Polytechnic website makes clear, “all students in the School of Early Childhood Education are required to hold a valid Standard First Aid plus CPR, level C certificate. Without this you will be unable to begin your field placement.”
You can make a difference in a child’s life!
By teaching young children, you are contributing to the future of our nation. You can also make a huge difference by providing life-saving care if ever your students are in need. With SOS First Aid, you can either renew or upgrade your professional skills with our Standard First Aid with CPR C and AED course. Please don’t hesitate to call us at 905-844-9813 or email us at [email protected].
