CPR – Why every parent should know how to do it

It's hard to know everything and anything about children, that's why we need to learn along the way. However, one thing you definitely need to know is CPR!

Even though you may not want to think about the horrifying event of your child chocking and having to do CPR on them, it can happen to anyone, no matter how careful you are.

When a person stops breathing, blood cannot circulate, so no oxygen can get to the brain. Someone who isn't helped immediately could get brain damage or even die in a few minutes.

So, what are some of the reasons why a parent would need to know CPR?

- Accidents

- Near-drowning

- Suffocation

- Poisoning

- Smoke inhalation

- Electrocution injuries

- Possible sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

CPR needs to be started as soon as possible to be able to work effectively!

There are three basic parts to CPR:

- Airway
- Breathing
- Circulation

If you are giving a child CPR, it should be done in five cycles over a time period of two minutes.

Check to see if the airway is clear (a piece of food or object could be blocking it). Open the airway to start rescue breathing. If the child doesn't start breathing, CPR should be started immediately!

Provide two rescue breaths followed by 30 chest compressions. This cycle will be continued for a total of five cycles. Then call emergency personnel to get professional help if you haven’t already done so. Resume CPR until medical help arrives.

If you’ve never learned to do CPR it is possible to do so. There are many places in Cape Town that offer basic first aid and CPR courses...

http://www.stjohn.org.za/

http://www.pulsep.co.za/

https://www.discovery.co.za/portal/individual/vit-points-cpr

http://www.firstaidacademy.co.za/

http://safe-med.co.za/

http://www.safe-kids.co.za/

Knowing first aid and CPR is something every parent benefits from. Not only can these skills save their child’s life, they can be used to help others as well. When you know why learning CPR is so important, is there any reason to put it off any longer? Sign up for a class soon! 

Downloading the PatrolMan app may be the help you need in an emergency situation! Simply press the nifty SOS button and help will be summoned immediately to your location!