You're a Lifesaver

I'm currently writing an article that I hope to sell, or at least publish in a parenting magazine. When did I become a parent you may be wondering. I'm not; I'm still a single childless woman, but working with and taking care of kids, especially in a lifesaving role has been a big portion of my life. The article is sort of an urging of parents to realize how important it is for them to know CPR and first aid.


I have very strong opinions about this sort of thing. I realized this when I heard a news story about a toddler who choked on a gumball. Firefighters and paramedics weren't able to respond quickly enough due to the closing of fire stations around San Diego. My first response to the story was that is the most tragic thing happen to a parent, the second was that San Diego needs to get it's budget under control, and my third was to wonder why parents don't think to learn CPR and first aid upon having children.

One time, luckily not at the pool I was in charge of, one of the kids from swim lessons choked on a piece of hard candy. Thankfully plenty of lifeguards were around; the Heimlich was administered by the pool supervisor and the child was alright. But hard candy––and chocking hazards––are everywhere, but lifeguards aren't.

I find it strange that parents feel it necessary their childrens' care givers and teachers to know these lifesaving skills, but not the person solely responsible for the child, themselves.

CPR/first aid classes are offered year-round and at countless facilities. They are fairly inexpensive, especially when one thinks of the fact that a life is priceless. Some courses are even free. Parents don't even necessarily need to keep their certs validated to use the skills on their own children. However, it is wise to refresh one's skills every so often. I've taken the course more than 15 times in my life; I feel pretty confident, but I know that I will always need to refresh.

This is something I'm super passionate about and felt it a good topic to be opinionated about.