The holidays are over, and school is back for the spring semester. However, don’t forget that potential dangers may be on the horizon for children, and parents should particularly be aware. One crucial responsibility is ensuring your child's safety in case of emergencies. This is where CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) education comes in.

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CPR is a life-saving technique that can restart a stopped heart and keep oxygen flowing to the brain until medical help arrives. This is particularly crucial for our Nigerian-American community, where existing racial disparities place Black children at greater risk of not receiving CPR compared to white children. While the chances of your child experiencing cardiac arrest are low, knowing CPR can empower you to take decisive action in a critical moment. It's a simple, but potentially life-saving skill that every parent should possess.  

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Why The Beginning of the Year is a Perfect Time for CPR Training

A new year is a great opportunity for parents to prioritize their child's well-being. Here's why:

• Kids Will Be Kids: The safest environment does not guarantee that accidents cannot happen to a child. This is the perfect time to learn how to respond effectively to emergencies.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing you have the skills to handle a crisis can provide immense peace of mind throughout the school year. Whether at school, on the playground, or at home, being CPR-certified empowers you to act swiftly if there is a critical situation.  
• Family Bonding  Experience: Consider taking a CPR class with your spouse or family. Learning this skill together can become a valuable family bonding experience and a reassuring conversation starter about safety measures.

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Finding the Right CPR training

Here are some options for free and paid  CPR classes/certifications in the Houston area:

• Junior League of Houston (https://www.jlh.org/cpr/) - Free
• Harris County Public Library, various locations (https://hcpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?q=cpr)   – Free & Paid Options
• United Way of Greater Houston, various locations (https://bit.ly/4jnlGD9) – Cost Depends on Instructor
• American Heart Association, online and classroom courses (https://cpr.heart.org/en/course-catalog-search)  – Paid  
• American Red Cross, online (https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr/cpr-training/cpr-online) - Paid

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What to Expect in a CPR Class:

A typical CPR class covers the following:

• Recognizing the Signs of Cardiac Arrest: You'll learn how to identify an unresponsive person who is not breathing and/or with no pulse.
• Chest Compressions: This crucial step involves applying pressure to the chest to keep blood flowing throughout the body.      
• Rescue Breaths: In some types of CPR, you'll also learn how to perform rescue breathing to deliver oxygen to the lungs.      
• Use of an Automated  External Defibrillator (AED): Some classes may also include training on using an AED. An AED is a portable medical device that delivers an electric shock to restart a heart in certain cardiac arrest situations.  

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Beyond the Basics:

Taking a CPR class equips you with the technical skills and the confidence to act calmly and effectively in a crisis. Remember, even if you haven't memorized every step perfectly, starting CPR immediately can significantly increase your child's chances of survival until medical help arrives.  

Don't wait for an emergency to learn CPR. Make CPR training one of your New Year's Resolutions and enroll in a class today. You could be the reason a child’s life is saved.

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