As a parent or caregiver, there’s nothing more important than keeping the children in your care safe and healthy. While it’s impossible to predict when an emergency will happen, being prepared to handle one can make all the difference. One of the most critical skills you can teach kids is Basic Life Support training (BLS), which includes CPR and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
In this blog, we’ll discuss why it’s important for kids to learn BLS, the benefits of AEDs, and how to get started with training. By the end, you’ll see just how crucial BLS and AEDs can be in saving a life, and why it’s so important to equip children with these skills from a young age.
What is sudden cardiac arrest?
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a medical condition that occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. This can happen when there is a problem with the heart’s electrical system, which controls the rhythm of the heart.
When the heart stops beating, blood is no longer pumped to the brain and other vital organs, which can lead to unconsciousness and death within minutes if not treated promptly.
SCA can happen to anyone, regardless of age or fitness level, and is a leading cause of death worldwide. In Australia, SCA is responsible for the deaths of 22,000 to 33,000 people every year, with only 10% survival rate if it happens outside of hospitals.
However, prompt treatment with an automated external defibrillator (AED) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can significantly increase the chances of survival.
Why do kids need to learn Basic Life Support training?
The Australian Resuscitation Council promotes basic life support training for children as well as teaching them how to use AEDs in schools. This is via the Aussie KIDS SAVE LIVES mandate that introduces regular Basic Life Support training ino the Australian school curriculum.
1. Children as young as four can recognise an emergency
Teaching basic life support to children is not limited to a certain age group. Even children as young as four years old can learn valuable skills that can help them recognise and respond to emergencies. By teaching children how to recognise an emergency situation and how to call for an ambulance, they can play a vital role in saving someone’s life.
The World Health Organization has recommended two hours of CPR training for children every year from the age of 12, but that is not to say younger children should be excluded from learning basic life support skills. Let us normalise teaching children of all ages how to respond to emergencies.
2. Empower kids to save lives when the opportunity arises
By allowing our children to learn CPR and receive Basic Life Support training sessions, they can gain the self-confidence needed to react quickly and effectively in the face of an emergency. They will be more likely to recognise when someone is in cardiac arrest and take appropriate action. This increased self-confidence can make all the difference in an emergency situation, as children will feel capable of performing first aid intervention. And when children believe in their own abilities and are confident in their knowledge, they are more likely to step up and dare to intervene.
3. Promote a sense of safety among our children.
Basic Life Support training helps children develop a sense of responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. By learning how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED), children gain a better understanding of how to prevent sudden cardiac arrest and how to respond appropriately in the event of an emergency.
4. Kids can pass their learning on to adults who don’t know Basic Life Support
Teaching basic life support to children can have a ripple effect that extends beyond their own immediate health and safety. Although younger children may not have the physical strength or dexterity to perform all the steps of basic life support, they can still learn the correct positioning for chest compressions and other techniques.
This knowledge can be valuable in emergency situations where an adult may need assistance performing basic life support. In fact, studies have shown that children as young as thirteen years old can effectively perform chest compressions on manikins with proper instruction and guidance.
What is an AED?
An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a portable medical device that can analyse a person’s heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock, if necessary, to restore a normal heart rhythm during a sudden cardiac arrest. AEDs are designed to be used by laypeople, including children, in emergency situations.
Teaching kids Basic Life Support includes instruction on how to use an AED as part of the response to sudden cardiac arrest. Knowing how to use an AED can be a lifesaving skill, and teaching kids how to use them can empower them to take action and potentially save a life. Kids can learn how to recognise when an AED is needed, how to operate it, and how to perform CPR while the AED is in use.
What we recommend
When buying an AED, this Zoll AED 3-Fully Automatic Defibrillator is what we would recommend for children.
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The Zoll AED 3 is an excellent choice for an automated external defibrillator (AED) for kids for several reasons. Firstly, it builds upon the success of the AED Plus, which has been supporting rescuers since 2002, and incorporates years of usability research to create an AED that is both easy to use and effective. One of its standout features is the improved Real CPR Help technology, which provides real-time feedback on the quality of CPR being performed, making it easier for young rescuers like kids to perform chest compressions correctly.
In addition to its usability, the Zoll AED 3 is also cost-effective and easy to maintain. Its universal adult/pediatric electrode pads and five-year battery life make it an affordable long-term investment, and its Program Management Onboard feature means that it can easily connect to ZOLL’s PlusTrac™ AED program management system via Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for regular maintenance inspections.
We believe Zoll AED is best for kids wanting to learn CPR, thanks to its ease of use, real-time feedback technology, and low cost of ownership and maintenance.
Get your kids trained for Basic Life Support at Integrity Health and Safety
When it comes to ensuring the safety of your kids, there’s no compromise. That’s why it’s essential to choose a provider who can deliver the highest quality Basic Life Support training courses.
At Integrity Health & Safety, we take great pride in our training, which is delivered by current practicing Paramedics and Nurses with real-life experience. This means that our trainers bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our courses, which are contextualised and include online learning modules for a more hands-on experience
We host regular training in Sydney and Canberra, but wcan provide training onsite anywhere in Australia too. Our courses are delivered in conjunction with HealthCorp, one of Australia’s leading national Registered Training Organisations specializing in health and safety training. This ensures that our programs meet the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) Standards and competency framework, giving you peace of mind that you’re getting the best possible training.
Our consultants work within specific frameworks, such as ISO standards and best industry practice, to establish and sustain your safety management plans and KPIs, as well as reinforcing your key safety messages during the sessions.
Our courses are conducted under the auspices of Healthcorp RTO number 91222, giving you further assurance of the quality of our Basic Life Support training.
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