Do you know how to perform CPR on your infant or child? You should! If something went wrong, the time between when you dialed 911 and when EMS arrives is a critical window. Those three to five minutes are the difference between life and death. Bystander CPR can double and even triple a victim’s chance for survival.
That is why Red Stick Moms Blog, The American Heart Association, Ochsner Health System and Bayou Time Sitters are ready to help you learn those lifesaving skills.
Join us for Coffee, Conversations & CPR Class on Monday, June 2 as we celebrate National CPR Awareness Week.
This “mom friendly” class will teach infant and child CPR and provide free childcare (to a limited number of children).
Who :: Any mom in the Capital Area area that would like one-on-one infant and child CPR instruction.
What :: This class will teach Hands-Only® CPR and is not considered a full certification course.
When :: Monday, June 2 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where :: Ochsner Medical Center Baton Rouge, 17000 Medical Center Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.
How :: We understand that as mothers sometimes there are childcare challenges associated with attending classes such as this. For this reason, Bayou Time Sitters, will be on hand at Ochsner offering free childcare to those attending the CPR class. All children must be pre-registered to attend when you RSVP.
Cost :: Free but spaces are very limited and RSVP is required in advance to [email protected].
Why Should I Know CPR?
CPR is a skill that is used to respond to heart attacks, trauma, overdose, or drowning. According to the American Heart Association, effective bystander CPR can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival, but only 32 percent of victims receive CPR from a bystander. With approximately 400,000 out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrests occurring each year (80 percent of which occur at home), the life you save is most likely to be someone you love.
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is a lifesaving procedure that is done when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. For infants and children this may happen after drowning, suffocation, choking, or other injuries. CPR involves:
- Rescue breathing, which provides oxygen to the lungs; and
- Chest compressions, which keep the blood flowing.
Permanent brain damage or death can occur within minutes if blood flow stops.
How can I learn CPR?
If you can’t join us for the June 2nd event, you can still learn lifesaving skills to keep your family safe. In addition to CPR, Hands-Only® CPR is the latest approved response from the American Heart Association. It consists of chest compressions to help keep blood flowing to the brain to prevent brain damage.
The American Heart Association has endorsed Hands-Only CPR as an effective treatment. Hands-Only CPR involves two simple steps:
- Call 9-1-1
- Push hard and fast on the center of the chest until professional help arrives.
Be ready at any time by having CPR instructions at your fingertips. Download the CPR apps by the American Heart Association available for free in the app store or take a local class to become certified. If you don’t have the time to make it to an in-person class, don’t worry. The American Heart Association offers online courses as well perfect for busy moms. Or, you can purchase a home CPR training kit including mannequin so the entire family can learn.
