A crucial message from one parent to another: if you’ve never taken a CPR or First Aid course—or if it’s been a while—please consider making it a priority. If you have children, this should be on your to-do list right away. And if your kids are older, bring them along to learn as well.
I’ve been a lifeguard since I was 15, a certified instructor, and have taken and taught CPR and First Aid classes annually since I was 13. I’ve acted as a first responder and am typically unfazed by blood. In emergencies, I usually feel equipped to handle the situation. But when it’s your own child, everything changes.
Just last night, during dinner at home while my husband was deployed, my little one started choking. Thankfully, she’s okay now, but it was a serious situation. This wasn’t just a minor cough or gagging; it was full-blown choking.
She was seated at the table, and I remember hearing a single cough followed by a high-pitched whistle—stridor—then silence. Her eyes widened in fear. I instinctively leaped over the table as she grabbed at her throat, the universal sign for choking that even a five-year-old understands.
I patted her back and urged her to cough, but she shook her head in panic. I dropped to my knees and attempted the Heimlich maneuver designed for children, but it didn’t work. My heart sank as I squeezed her tiny body, knowing I had to do something, yet feeling utterly helpless.
Then, I remembered a technique for younger kids. I picked her up, positioning her head downward and propping her against my arm. I delivered four firm blows to her back. To my immense relief, several chunks of food dislodged and she could breathe again.
Let’s take a moment to digest this: I had to administer back blows to my child to save her life. If I hadn’t known what to do, the outcome could have been vastly different. According to the New York State Department of Health, choking ranks as the fourth leading cause of unintentional death in children under five. For this age group, food is the most common culprit.
My daughter is just four and a half years old. Her food was cut into appropriately sized pieces, and as we chatted at dinner, I never considered the reality that at least one child dies from choking on food every five days in the U.S. Over 12,000 children visit emergency rooms annually for choking-related injuries. These statistics are now permanently etched in my mind.
This experience has reinforced my belief that everyone with kids—and really, everyone in general—should take a CPR and First Aid course. While online classes exist, they don’t prepare you for the physical sensations of chest compressions, back blows, and the Heimlich maneuver like hands-on training does. Even as someone with previous experience in real-life emergencies, nothing compares to the anxiety of it involving your own child.
I managed to stay composed, and thankfully, my child is now safe. But let me tell you, that experience was more terrifying than anything I’ve encountered. I urge you to find a local CPR and First Aid course and sign up. One class is better than none, even if it’s just a start.
After the incident, our house was filled with tears, cuddles, and constant checks throughout the night to ensure she was alright. I barely slept, watching her restlessly. By morning, she was fine and likely will be more cautious about chewing her food in the future. But let’s be real—she was just eating, and this terrifying event happened. If I hadn’t known what to do, I shudder to think about what I would be writing today.
For those seeking to learn more, the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association, as well as your local fire department, offer excellent CPR and First Aid classes. Also, check out this link for helpful resources on parenting and family health matters. And for those navigating the complexities of home insemination, you can find valuable information at this resource and explore useful tools like the Cryobaby Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo.
In summary, knowing how to respond in emergencies is vital, especially when it involves your child. Equip yourself with knowledge and skills that could save a life.