"One of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency"---Arnold Glasow
Below I'll provide various scenarios, and explain what to do in each situation. I'll also discuss the importance of planning in advance.
SCENARIO 1: CHOKING CHILD. A two-year old female has choked a small toy part at a home daycare center.
The proper emergency procedures for dealing with this situation are as follows: First, I would ensure that I, the child, and her classmates are as calm as could be reasonably expected. I would then assess the child from head-to-toe (Robertson, 2011). Next, I would follow the American Heart Association’s recommendations for dealing with choking children:
“1.Hold the infant face down on your forearm, with the infant's head in your hand (rest your arm on leg or lap for support). 2. Deliver up to 5 back blows with the heel of your free hand. 3. Turn the infant over and give up to 5 chest thrusts (on the lower half of the breastbone). 4. Alternate 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until the object is expelled or the infant becomes unresponsive. 5.If the infant becomes unresponsive, begin CPR. Each time you open the airway, look for a foreign object (remove it if seen). Continue rescue breaths and chest compressions” (AHA, 2012).
I would call 911 immediately after this process. I would also notify the parents. In the event that the parents have not arrived by the time that the paramedics have come, I would go with the child to the hospital. I would ensure that my class was watched by a paraprofessional or another teacher in my absence. Finally, “after the incident is over, [I would] fill out a report” (Robertson, 2011).
SCENARIO 2: CHILD NEEDS CPR. A five-year old male has stopped breathing, and needs CPR. He was playing on a kindergarten playground when the incident occurred.
The proper emergency procedures for dealing with this situation are as follows: First, I would ensure that I, the child, and her classmates are as calm as could be reasonably expected. I would then assess the child from head-to-toe (Robertson, 2011). Next, I would follow the University of Washington School of Medicine’s recommendations for administering CPR:
“1) Use the heel of one or two hands for chest compression. 2) Press the sternum Tilt the head back and listen for breathing. If not breathing normally, pinch nose and cover the mouth with yours and blow until you see the chest rise. Give 2 breaths. Each breath should take 1 second “(UWSM, 2010).
I would call 911 immediately after this process. I would also notify the parents. In the event that the parents have not arrived by the time that the paramedics have come, I would go with the child to the hospital. I would ensure that my class was watched by a paraprofessional or another teacher in my absence. Finally, “after the incident is over, [I would] fill out a report” (Robertson, 2011).
The Importance of Advance Planning
Advance planning is important is situations such as the aforementioned ones because it removes (or reduces) panic. That is, in life-threatening situations, we tend to panic and become unsure of what actions we’re supposed to take. However, if advance planning is utilized, we have more certitude about what actions we’re supposed to take, as there are procedures already in place.
To that end, training is needed to ensure that advance planning is as effective and efficient as possible. CPR training and maneuvers, such as the Heimlich and that for helping choking infants, are of great importance.
Other Steps Adults Must Take
It is important for adults to have all emergency contact information for all students under their supervision. Adults must not only have first aid equipment, but must be knowledgeable in using such equipment.
References
"What To Do With Choking Child." Parent Education - Caring for Kids. University of Maryland Children's Health Center, 2012. Web. 21 Sept. 2012. <http://www.umm.edu/pediatrics/choking_child.htm>.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you when you say that it is vital to procede with an emergency action plan and have emergency contact information available at all times. Any action plan regarding choling emergencies must be fast and active. This will allow the child to receive proper care at the right time. What kind of action plan do you have at your job?