We all worry about our babies and children's health. Finn always develops breathing difficulties when he is really ill and I know Liam always worries about choking. Theres a minefield of information out there and we have always meant to attend a first aid course but it's never quite happened. I recently attended the British Red Cross First Aid for Baby and Child course. I cannot recommend it highly enough! If you are a parent or carer please sign up to this course, even if it's a refresher as things do change (such as conflicting info on how to deal with choking these days) and it is easy to forget what to do.
The course was excellent for learning about what we all dread will ever happen to our little ones the most - choking or not breathing. It was really hands on with each topic being discussed to the group, followed by a short film, demonstration, questions and then you had to practice yourself on the dummies. The trainers spent time with everyone to make sure we were doing it properly and answer any queries or concerns. I now genuinely feel that I could stay calm and confident and know what to do in these emergency situations we pray never happen.
Main topics covered were choking, unconscious and breathing/ not breathing, CPR, fever, seizures, burns, head injuries, allergic reactions, meningitis and nose bleeds. You get taught the different methods for baby and child as they do entail differences and learn all skills needed to help deal with an emergency situation. The trainers were personable and kept things really clear and simple, you came away confident in what you had learnt and also why you had to do them.
If you do one thing today please download the Baby and Child First Aid by British Red Cross App - it's free and even if you have no first aid knowledge or training it has really clear and simple step by step instructions on what to do in each case.
The course I attended was in Euston, London, but there are various training centres across London and the rest of the country. It was a 4 hour session (£60) and there were around 30 people in the class - lots of couples, pregnant ladies and dads all super keen to learn what to do in crisis situations with babies and children.
www.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk
My doctor friend also recommends having a look at this booklet for some good advice on when to know when to worry. It's so hard as a parent to know when you should go to a doctor or hospital. Also remember you can always call 111 if you need advice and an over the phone assesment on your situation.
Stay safe everyone!