A four year old preschool child is sitting at the lunch table with his friends eating lunch, talking and having fun when he begins to choke. The teacher in the classroom gets up and goes over to the child to ask if he is okay and child is not able to respond except with a nod of his head. The teacher determines that the child is choking and assures the child everything is going to be all right that she is going to help. The teacher begins the Heimlich maneuver and tells the other children in the class that the choking child is going to be all right and to remain calm. Once the object is expelled from the child’s throat the teacher asks the child if he is all right and to tell her his name. If the child is able to respond and tell the teacher his name, there is no other obstruction in his airway and the teacher calls the parent to let them know what had transpired and that he is all right. If the child was unable to tell the teacher his name, which could indicate that the airway was still obstructed and 911 needs to be notified as well as the parents. If there is still an obstruction, the Heimlich maneuver should continue to be used and if the child collapses then the teacher immediately needs to administer CPR.
Children are playing on the playground at preschool when a 4 year old child is stung by a bee. The teacher present is not sure if the child is allergic to bee stings having never been stung before so the teacher watches for signs of an allergic reaction. A mild reaction might include watery eyes, itching and hives on the skin. Once the sting has been cleaned the parents should be notified and the child should continue to be observed. If there is any difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, of the child’s complexion becomes flushed, or if the child complains of abdominal cramps or nausea then 911 needs to be contacted immediately as well as the child’s parents. The teacher should assure the child he is going to be all right that help is on the way.
I believe that all teachers should be required to take CPR and First aid when working with young children. By taking these courses the teachers are well informed and educated as to what to do in an emergency situation and knowing what to do can mean life or death of a child.
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I agree that CPR and First Aid classes should be required of all teachers working in childcare facilities. It is required in the preschools and daycare centers in Virginia by law and I think this is the right policy. I am certified and have been my entire adult life. I also think that it is important that teachers remain calm and reassure the child that everything will be okay. I hope that people will read your blog and know that CPR is important and sign up for classes.
ReplyDeleteJanet,
ReplyDeleteI also agree that CPR and First Aid classes should be required of all teachers working with children ages 0 - 17!! I know in our school district, in our preschool classroom the teacher is required to prove their CPR and First Aid certification and must update it as each section is required. Luckily, our program offers the CPR and First Aid training to our entire preschool staff, including a few parent volunteers and office staff. A few years ago at a local park, I witnessed an allergic reaction to a bee sting and it happened so fast, I can't even recall the details of it!! One minute the child screamed "Ouch" and next moment she was on the floor turning blue! Luckily the child's mother had an epi-pen and was also First Aid/CPR certified, but I was ready to jump in if needed. It goes to show that the CPR/First Aid training is an advantage in and out of work!