First Aid For Babies - Why Bother?

First Aid For Babies - Why Bother?

Last Saturday, I was at a friends super, special, birthday and I had such a great time - happy birthday again, Lady! It was a family 'do' that started at lunch time and Coco came along, as did other babies and young children, with their Parents. The celebration went on till the evening and we moved to a nearby spot for more food and drinks. One of the toddlers at the party, was in his Mums arms at the same table I was on. All of a sudden, it looked like he was choking. His mum (a nurse) very calmly, turned him head down, chest down and beat on his back to dislodge the food that was stuck in his throat. All this happened in a matter of seconds. Beyond the initial shock, all was well and everyone was relieved he was fine.

The whole situation re-iterated to me the importance of having some first aid knowledge as carers of young children. His Mum works in a hospital, she knew exactly what to do, but imagine a scenario where that was not the case.

I attended a first aid for babies course in January, because I wanted to know the right thing to do and (and then actually do it), in similar choking or other emergency situations. Some Mums at the course had already been on a general first aid course, in the past, and needed the refresher and/or children focused element, but I was one of the few who hadn't and was completely clueless. During the course, the GP Doctor who was instructing, talked about how what we were learning could potentially be put to use in a life-saving situation. We all took turns giving examples on different areas of the material and brain storming on scenarios we may find ourselves and babies in etc. It seemed like the course was put together as an interactive one, to put our brains to work and ensure we were not just sitting and looking, but actually absorbing the material. It lasted three hours, although it felt like much shorter, and was held in the evening so Dads could come along after work too, though MisterB did not get to attend.

At the start of the class, when we talking about various accidents/emergencies involving children, the thought of being in these situations, was a bit scary for me. I know some other Mums at the course felt the same too. It is not a pleasant thing to think about, accidents and emergencies, especially with little ones in mind, but when I think about the alternative - not knowing the correct thing to do, relying on old wives tales, just total & utter panic in an emergency scenario, I know the course was the right thing to do. The instructor explained that most times people end up using their first aid skills on people they know - your kids or those of close fiends and family. Now, that was an even more compelling reason to make sure I paid close attention.





Little kids are prone to swallowing small options or choking on them, in particular. I came across a story about a child who swallowed batteries on Facebook - the picture alone was horrific and I didn't dare open it to read more, but I got the message, thats one of the worst things for a child to  swallow, but it could be a pen cover, or a coin, or sweet or medicines. It happens so often, St Johns Ambulance have been running an advert on national television in the UK showing you what to do if a little one is choking (exactly what the Mum on Saturday did!). The video is above, so do have a look. And don't forget to book a first aid course for children, too if you haven't been to one. It won't hurt you and may save a life!

The NCT offer first aid courses here: first aid information. Other organisations that offer the course are:

The Redcross (UK wide)
Baby steps (London)
Lulubaby (London)

Instead of attending a  general class, if you have a few friends who are interested, you can actually offer to set up a class for your little group, like we did. The Instructor comes to you and it can work out much cheaper too.

Have a great weekend.

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First Aid For Babies - Why Bother?