Red Cross offers CPR for children, animals
The Sunflower Chapter of the American Red Cross will offer several family and pet safety courses for the holiday season. Marcia Smith, executive director, and her staff have scheduled several classes in anticipation of a busy holiday season.
"We felt that it was important to get these courses scheduled and hope that our community members will take time out of the busy holiday season to learn some valuable safety skills that may save a life," Smith said.
An infant and child CPR course will be held from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. This course teaches parents, grandparents and those caring for young children the skills necessary for emergency situations and to recognize and care for life-threatening respiratory or cardiac emergencies.
"These training classes have, over the years, provided many people the skills and confidence to effectively intervene in emergency situations where every minute counts," said McPherson physician Sam Claassen.
The Red Cross will offer Pet First Aid from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 30. Pet First Aid uses hands-on training to teach owners of cats and dogs. The course is explains emergency care procedures and covers topics from giving medication to administering CPR and rescue breathing.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, almost 38 million households had a dog and a little more than 33 million had a cat in 2002.
"This course is a benefit for pet lovers; owners with pets really should consider this training," said Rebecca Browning, health and safety manager. "We know pet owners enjoy a very special bond with their pets — they're a part of the family. Just like with people, accidents and emergencies can happen and being prepared by knowing what to do could make a lifesaving difference."
Pet owners are encouraged to bring a stuffed toy cat or dog to practice on, but cat and dog mannequins are used to practice rescue breathing and CPR.
Local veterinarians Holly Smith and Boyd Walker will answer specific questions relating to the training procedures.
December will bring two additional courses to the communities of McPherson and Marion counties. A Babysitter Training course will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 2.
This course is designed to teach young people (ages 11-15) the skills necessary to be a responsible baby-sitter. Topics include: baby-sitting as a job, personal safety skills, first aid training, child and infant rescue breathing and choking and basic care for infants, toddlers, and young children.
The chapter also is offering two sessions of CPR and first aid from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 9.
These special classes are designed to encourage families to attend together. This course is appropriate for ages 10 and up. The course is usually an eight-hour class with a fee of $45.
"We will have multiple instructors on hand who are volunteering their time so that we can get the participants trained in half the time at less than half the regular fee.," said Browning. "Participants will pay $20 with additional family members paying $10."
"We are excited about getting these courses into our communities." Smith said. "This is a time of year when we are among large groups of holiday shoppers, friends, co-workers, and extended family — we may not know about the health concerns of those around us. Being ready to respond in an emergency situation is a gift to those around you who may depend on you to save their life."
The chapter also has a preparedness backpack that is popular as a gift for employees and college students.
"We have learned from recent experience that everyone should have certain emergency supplies handy whether they are at home, work, or in a college dorm room," Smith said. "It is a unique gift that most people won't purchase for themselves — or for that person who has everything."
Due to limited class size, pre-enrollment is required. For enrollment information, call the Red Cross office at (620) 241-2386 or visit the office at 1023 S. Main, McPherson, during regular business hours. All classes will be held at the Red Cross office in McPherson.
