We have just transitioned from one center to another, and we noticed that Little Boy Blue is in the reading area unconscious. It is evident that he needs CPR immediately. I ask a teacher (by name) to call 911, I ask another teacher to phone the child’s parent, and then I check the airway for blockage (A), then I start the first part of the rescue breathing (B), afterwards, I am checking the circulation (C) which is feeling for a pulse. If it is necessary that I continue, I will until the medial responders arrive.
If the child is choking, we will take the necessary steps to help expel whatever it is that’s causing the choking. Instructions taken from:
(http://www.ehow.com/how_15398_heimlich-maneuver-child.html)

Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Things You’ll Need:
· Telephones
Step1
Call 911 or ask someone else to call 911.
Step2
Squat behind your child as she stands in front of you.
Step3
Place one hand on top of the pelvis line, in the middle of the abdomen. Put your other hand on top of the first. Pull upward, forcefully, toward the child's nose, in a series of five quick thrusts. If that doesn't work:
Step4
Place the child face down across your lap. Put one fist below the point where the ribs meet the breastbone.
Step5
Give a solid whack to the back, between the lower shoulder blades, with your other hand.
Step6
If the child begins to lose consciousness, lower her slowly to the floor. Be sure an emergency squad has been called.
Step7
Straddle your child's thighs or sit at her side. Sit at her feet if she is very young.
Step8
Put the heel of one hand at the belly button and thrust upward toward the nose five times. These motions are called abdominal thrusts.
Step9
Open the child's mouth and look inside to see if you have dislodged the foreign body. If you see a foreign body, sweep it out with a hooked finger. Tilt your child's head to the side, in case of vomiting.
Step10
Attempt to open the airway by tilting her head and lifting her chin. Look and listen for signs of breathing.
Step11
Give your child a breath by pinching her nose with your fingers and putting your lips over her mouth to form a tight seal. Exhale forcefully into her mouth. Watch to see if her chest rises with your breath. If not, your child's airway is still blocked.
Step12
Continue with abdominal thrusts.

It is imperative that measures are put in place PRIOR to needing them, this way everyone knows what is expected of them in a particular situation. Of course no one knows what they will actually do, (heaven forbid) if a serious situation arises, but drills and precautionary measures must be put in place so everyone will have a general idea of what to do. Each staff member should be required to complete the Basic First Aid and CPR classes that are given at the Red Cross, or from some other licensed participant. Reading a book, does not prepare you for the actual scene. At our center, each staff is required to have these items. When my son was nine (9), I allowed him to accompany his dad for the trainings.


Each year the children have a lesson on how to dial 911, and when to dial 911. Parents are given all types of literature on preventive measures. However, unfortunately, the majority of them don’t even skim through the first page. First aid training is another biggie that parents and caregivers must be knowledgeable of. We try to educate everyone, because no one can pick when or who will be involved in a crisis.
Parents should (however, most of them don’t), have a First Aid kit at home or even in the car. I was at Wal-Mart a few years ago, and noticed in the aisle by the checkout counter, there was a personal first aid kit; I (thinking it was cute) grabbed one, paid for it and stuck it in my car. Well, if nothing else came in handy, the band aids sure did, primarily because I have boys. Needless to say, we should all have first aid kits throughout our homes and in our vehicles, and the best thing about it is that they are very inexpensive. Planning is so very important. Also, one of the most important details in getting help to someone is to delegate “individually” and by that I mean to specifically ask a person by name to contact 911 or the parent. If you just scream out; “dial 911 or someone dial 911,” chances are 911 will not be called, because each person is thinking the other person is going to call.



However, if you specifically ask someone by name, then that person is aware that he/she has that duty. Getting the emergency responders to the scene as quick as possible can make all the difference in the world