Jul
28
Drowning is the main reason for death in Arizona (AZ) in kids under four years of age. (See Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona)
There is no sole measure suggested to avoid drownings. What is highly recommended is a three-step approach: “Block, Watch and Learn.”
Step One: Block.
Block the pool with a barrier such as a pool cover or fence. Close bathroom doors so small children won’t drown in toilets. Block easy access to water.
Step Two: Watch.
Continual supervision should be exercised in the vicinity of all bodies of water. Nearly all drownings take place in buckets, bathtubs, toilets, pools, ponds, and lakes.
Step Three - Learn.
Learn how to swim and Learn CPR. All children should take swimming instruction also.
A CPR Course can be the difference between Life and Death to a loved one. Anybody that takes care of children must take CPR lessons and take refresher courses biannually.
During a Basic CPR class you will learn to administer CPR to Children, Infants, and Adults according to the guidelines established by the American Heart Association( AHA).
Typically, when a child drowns first responders such as Firefighters, EMT’s, and Paramedics are the first to initiate CPR. Many people are unwilling to administer CPR because they are afraid of doing it incorrectly or hurting the child further. If your child drowns, every second counts. You cannot wait for EMT’s to get there to get started on CPR. Every minute that goes by diminishes the chances of survival. CPR is more likely to be successful when administered within the first five minutes after the patient stops breathing. How long will it take for EMT’s to arrive? Five minutes? Ten minutes? If this is your daughter or son, can you afford to not know CPR?
