When a person is having a stroke, every second counts. The quicker the person can get medical aid, the greater their chance of a full recovery. Learn the simple steps you can take to save a life. You must act F.A.S.T.
Author Archive: Safe + Sound
Aspirin or Nitro — Which Helps Best During a Heart Attack?
When someone is suffering a heart attack, your swift action may save their life. Read this one-minute article to learn more.
Aspirin or Nitro —Which Helps Best During a Heart Attack?
Find out more about our Red Cross classes here. First aid training is an investment, not a cost. Register today and learn to save a life.
12 Ways to Prevent Hot Car Deaths
About 40 children die in hot cars in the United States every year. A condition known as vehicular heatstroke occurs either because the children were left alone or had become trapped in a car. This post briefly discusses why and how these terrible tragedies happen. It offers 12 ways caregivers can ensure young children are never left in vehicles by mistake.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, a child dies in a hot car approximately every ten days. Most hot car deaths — 53% — happen when a parent or caregiver forgets the child is in the car.
How does this happen?
We may ask how someone could forget their child and leave them in the vehicle. People who lost a loved one thought the same thing at one point, but then the tragedy happened to them.
Newspaper reports reveal that in many cases, an otherwise loving and attentive parent becomes busy, distracted, upset, or confused by a change in their daily routine or stressful life events. These things may cause them to forget their child is in the back seat.
It could happen to anyone.
Have you ever lost your keys or phone, or walked into a room and forgotten why you went there? These things are lapses in short-term memory. Tragically in some cases, the one thing a person was supposed to remember was dropping off their child at daycare. The consequence of such a memory lapse may be their child’s death.
Prospective Memory and the part it plays in hot car death
Memory expert Dr. David Diamond has served as an expert witness in more than 400 hot car death cases and conducted extensive research on the phenomenon. One of his fields of expertise is in researching how normal parents and caretakers unknowingly and unintentionally leave children in cars without evidence of abuse or neglect of children, drug misuse or organic brain dysfunction.
Dr. Diamond has developed a hypothesis to explain how normal parents and caretakers can forget their children in cars:
The driver loses awareness of the child in the car.
The driver shows a failure of the brain’s “prospective memory” system. Prospective memory is the ability to remember to carry out intended actions in the future.
Events during the drive, including stressors and distractions, may lead to “prospective memory” failure.
Dr. Diamond has concluded that all cases involving hot car deaths involve the failure of the prospective memory system.
When a child dies in a hot car, many people react angrily toward the child’s caregiver. But the biggest mistake a caregiver can make is thinking they are immune to such a tragedy.
When do hot car deaths happen?
Hot car deaths don’t just occur in summer. Most years, the first vehicular heatstroke happens in March, according to Jan Null, who has tracked such deaths since 1998. Over the years, he discovered:
- In about 46% of incidents where a caregiver forgets a child in a car, the caregiver meant to drop the little one off at daycare or school.
- The highest death rates occur on Thursdays and Fridays — the end of the workweek.
- More than half of the deaths (54%) are children under two years old.
- Forgotten Baby Syndrome
Jayde Poole, who left her five-month-old daughter Bella in a car on a hot day, where she died from heatstroke, was found not guilty of manslaughter.
The 29-year-old single mother of three had thought her baby was safe in her crib. When she found Bella missing, she thought she’d been kidnapped and called the police. Jade was arrested and, if convicted, would have faced a 20-year manslaughter charge.
Jayde’s lawyers argued she had suffered from forgotten baby syndrome, and a Supreme Court jury found Jayde was not criminally negligent for her baby’s death.
How long does it take a parked car to reach deadly temperatures?
A simulation conducted by the Australian motoring group NRMA showed that 70% of the rise in car temperature happens within five minutes of closing the car door, and 90% occurs within fifteen minutes.
A car can become an oven in minutes.
If the outside temperature is 85 degrees, after 10 minutes, the car’s internal temperature will be 104. After 30 minutes, 119 and after one hour, 128 degrees. Leaving windows open or parking in the shade does little to change the vehicle’s interior temperature. This short video shows how quickly car temperature can rise in the heat.
Heatstroke facts
A person inside a rapidly heating car may suffer from heatstroke — a condition which can be deadly. Children are more vulnerable to heatstroke, as their body temperature rises 3–5 times faster than an adult’s. When a child is left in a vehicle on a warm day, that child’s temperature can rise dangerously fast.
Heatstroke begins when the body’s core temperature rises to about 104 degrees, and a child can die when their temperature reaches 107 degrees. The NHTSA stats show that over the past 25 years, over 950 children have died of heatstroke after being left or trapped in a hot car.
Parents and caregivers must be vigilant and proactive to prevent such tragic incidents.
12 tips for caregivers to prevent children dying in hot cars
1. Check your backseat
Establish a system to remind you to check the backseat before leaving the car. Place a child’s toy on the passenger seat next to you or a visible reminder on the dashboard, such as a brightly coloured sticker or a sign that says “Check the Backseat!” This simple visual cue can prompt you to check whether your child is in the backseat before leaving the car.
Place items like your wallet, work bag, left shoe or mobile phone in the back seat — something you’ll need upon reaching your destination. Doing this forces you to open the back doors, reducing the chance of accidentally leaving your child behind.
Look before you lock — even if you don’t have children, a child may have entered the vehicle if left unlocked.
2. Secure Unattended Vehicles and keep keys out of reach
While many hot car deaths happen when a caregiver forgets a child, according to NHTSA, the second leading cause — 25% — is children climbing into unattended vehicles.
Be in the habit of always locking your car doors and trunk year-round, even if you park in the driveway or garage. Doing this will prevent curious children from entering the vehicle unsupervised.
Store car keys out of reach of children so they won’t be tempted to explore vehicles as a play area, inadvertently trapping themselves inside.
3. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle
All hot car deaths are preventable. However, the third leading cause of these deaths — consciously leaving a child — is the most preventable. Never leave a child alone in a car, even for a few minutes. Remember — rolling windows down or parking in a shady spot does little to change the vehicle’s interior temperature.
See a Child Alone in a Vehicle?
If you see a child alone in a vehicle, ensure the child is okay and responsive. If not, call EMS/911 immediately.
If the child appears okay, try to find the parents. If you’re in a public place, have security or customer service alert the vehicle owner over the intercom.
If the child is not responsive and appears distressed, try to get into the car to help the child — even if you have to break a window. Side windows are easier to break than windscreens or rear windows, and the edges of windows are the weakest part.
If the child is suffering heat distress, remove them from the vehicle as quickly as possible and cool them rapidly.
Act Fast. Save a Life.
4. Develop a departure routine
Create a consistent departure routine to use every time you exit the vehicle. Mentally rehearse actions such as turning off the engine, grabbing essential items, and opening the backseat door. Building a routine and avoiding distractions will minimize the chances of accidentally forgetting your child in the car.
5. Communicate with caregivers
If different caregivers are involved, ensure clear communication about who is responsible for dropping off and picking up the child. Create a system where the caregiver must confirm the child’s arrival at the destination, providing an additional layer of safety.
6. Practice safety at daycare and school
A 14-month-old girl died after her grandmother left her unattended in a hot car in New York for eight hours. The 54-year-old grandmother forgot to drop the toddler off at a daycare centre and went to work. Eight hours later, she went to pick the girl up at the daycare and realized she had left her in the car. The child was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Coordinate with your child’s daycare or school to implement a protocol that notifies you if your child doesn’t arrive as expected. This mutual communication helps ensure their safety throughout the day.
Form a buddy system with other parents or caregivers who drop off their kids at the same location. Remind each other to check the backseat and confirm the children’s safe arrival.
7. Use technology to remind you a child is in the vehicle
Use modern technology to prevent these accidents. Mobile apps and devices can remind people to check the backseat on arrival at their destination. Some even use geolocation to detect when you’ve arrived at a familiar place and prompt you to double-check the car.
8. Employ a car seat alarm system
Invest in a car seat alarm system that alerts you if your child is still buckled in the seat after you’ve turned off the engine. These alarms can be lifesaving reminders if you accidentally overlook your child’s presence in the backseat.
9. Make a phone call check-in
Before leaving your car, make it a habit to call your partner, a family member, or a friend to chat briefly. This conversation can help reinforce your memory and create an additional reminder to check the backseat.
10. Teach children about car safety
Talk to your child about the dangers of playing inside cars and the importance of never entering a vehicle without an adult’s supervision.
11. Set calendar alerts
If you have a consistent schedule, set up recurring calendar alerts on your phone to remind you to check for your child in the backseat upon arrival at your destination.
12. Raise awareness
Educate yourself and others about the risks and consequences of leaving children in hot cars. Share information on social media, and engage in community discussions to raise awareness and prevent these incidents. Everyone Can Help Prevent Hot Car Deaths
Encourage local communities, schools, and organizations to organize awareness campaigns and workshops to address the issue. Spread the word on social media using #HeatstrokeKills #CheckTheBackSeat.
Call to action
Children dying of heatstroke in cars is a preventable tragedy. We can reduce the risk of young children being left unattended in hot vehicles with a collective effort from parents, caregivers, and the community.
Car manufacturers must continue to work on technology such as rear seat reminder systems and radar devices that detect people and animals in cars and
Governments must pass laws requiring technology in all new cars to help prevent hot car deaths.
Community members must be on the lookout for children and pets alone in cars and take action to save them.
Tips to Reduce the Risk of Hot Car Death
Parents and caregivers can reduce the chance of a hot car tragedy by doing the following:
1. Check the backseat before locking the car doors and walking away.
2. Secure unattended vehicles and keep keys out of reach
3. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle
4. Develop a departure routine
5. Communicate with caregivers
6. Practice safety at daycare and school
7. Use technology to remind you a child is in the vehicle
8. Employ a car seat alarm system
9. Make a phone call check-in
10. Teach children about car safety
11. Set calendar alerts
12. Raise awareness
Click here for information about Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR training
People of the World — Wake Up to the Toxic Drug Crisis!
This poem is a call to action. Toxic drugs are killing our family and friends, and we can no longer look the other way. Where will this human disaster end if we fail to take action now?
The toxic drug crisis is a worldwide emergency
That needs to be treated with far greater urgency
Graphs display death rates with alarming increases
It’s a troublesome puzzle with numerous pieces
A toxic drug epidemic doesn’t discriminate,
Between rich folks and poor, there’s no single determinate
With a human catastrophe affecting millions of lives
We must prioritize solving it before countless more die
How can we manage such a challenging task?
Finding solutions that work is a formidable ask
We must seek out and examine all the root causes
Disconnection and anguish, body pain and trauma
Nobody chooses a life of addiction
Harrowing events often change life’s direction
Taking people to places we can’t imagine
To escape from torment too deep to fathom
People use substances to mask mental trauma
From childhood abuse or conditions they’re born with
Physical pain from work injuries and sports
May lead to the misuse of drugs of all sorts
Shame on Big Pharma for their part in this mess
And for those who make money off human distress
They’d be wise to step up and start work on redress
Because karma will dish out as good as it gets
Some recovery programs promote prayer and religion
These should not be required in a treatment equation
Twelve steps and faith are for many a dissuasion
From facilities and programs that could otherwise aid them
Faith works for some, but not all are believers
Should they have to be hypocrites — praying to Jesus?
Lay down the holy books, put religion on the shelf
Ask meaningful questions about how best to help
What if we invited more players to the table
People with a focus on recovery, not jail cells?
We know putting sick people in prison won’t work
Those with lived experience shouldn’t be overlooked
Folks in recovery have wrestled with pain
With treatment, they’ve discovered there’s so much to gain
Some generous souls have the courage to come back
From personal depths to get others on track
Many have experienced withdrawal and cravings
Been homeless and hungry without prospects or savings
They can give out tough love as their journey’s familiar
And are valuable mentors for those going through similar
Pay attention to workers in shelters and on streets
Those on the front lines who understand needs
People are people, not numbers and stats
Have the sense and compassion to meet them where they’re at
Listening with interest to opinions and thoughts
And considering all options leads to programs that work
Curiosity is a superpower well-known to the wise
More questions and less talking would help open eyes
And let’s respect science and use legitimate stats
Reject bias and conjecture and stick with the facts
Evidence-based research is what smart people use
For policy decisions where the impact is huge
In some other countries, success has been seen
Why not study their methods to see what we can glean?
We must switch focus from punishment to care
And consider testing programs that have worked well elsewhere
Substance Use Disorder is not a personal choice
A moral failing to be scorned by the media’s harsh voice
Stop penalizing those who treat their suffering with drugs
Save the jail time for dealers and underworld thugs
Giving fines for drug use belongs in the past.
The benefits of supervised consumption are vast
Free opioid treatment does not prolong addiction
It even saves society money in the long run
On the path to recovery, people need help
To find safe, low-cost homes, effective treatment and work
They need clean, free medication, support and connection
Experience-based guidance, non-judgemental direction
And treatment facilities with no stay-length restriction
Addiction could happen to you or to me
One nasty curveball, and where would we be?
And how would we hope to be treated by others
As worthless criminals or like sisters and brothers?
Toxic drugs are killing our family and friends
If we fail to take action — where will this end?
We must educate ourselves and start conversations
On behalf of our loved ones and the health of our nations
Thanks to all those who have generous hearts
Good intentions are always a great place to start
Reach out and help — don’t turn a blind eye
Because there but for good fortune,
Go you — and go I.
© Gill McCulloch, July 2023
Other related blog posts include:
Benefits of Free Opioid Addiction Treatment
Opioid Overdose: Four Things We Can Do Today to Stop Senseless Deaths
Benefits of Free Opioid Addiction Treatment
Since the public health emergency was declared in 2016, more than 30,000 people have died from opioid-related overdoses in Canada.
On June 6, 2023, British Columbia (BC) became the first Canadian province to provide universal treatment for opioid addiction. Previously, in BC, people struggling to overcome an addiction to opioids had to pay for their treatment drugs. The government has now removed financial barriers to treatment programs.
This article explores the arguments for and against providing free opioid addiction treatment.
Addiction and Opioid Use Disorder
People can become addicted to various types of opioids, including both prescription opioids and illicit drugs. Prescription opioids like oxycodone, morphine, and codeine are medications prescribed by healthcare professionals to manage pain. Illicit opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil are obtained and used without a valid prescription. They are produced in clandestine laboratories or illegally diverted from legitimate sources.
Addiction can develop from legitimate medical use of prescription opioids and recreational or illicit use. Opioids have the potential to produce euphoria, pain relief, and relaxation, which can lead to misuse, dependence, and addiction.
Opioid use disorder (OUD) occurs when a person unsuccessfully attempts to cut down or when substance use leads to social problems and a failure to fulfill obligations at work, school, and home. OUD often occurs after the person has developed opioid tolerance and dependence, which makes it physically challenging to stop opioid use and increases the risk of withdrawal.
What does free opioid addiction treatment look like?
Treatment typically provides access to opioid agonist medications such as methadone or buprenorphine. It may also include counselling, behavioural support, and harm reduction measures without any direct cost to the individuals receiving the treatment.
Medical assessment and monitoring
Opioid agonist treatment typically begins with a medical evaluation to determine the appropriate medication and dosage for each individual. A healthcare professional will monitor the individual regularly to evaluate treatment progress, adjust dosages if necessary, and address any concerns or side effects.
Medication
Opioid agonist treatment drugs, like methadone or buprenorphine, work by occupying the same receptors in the brain as opioids and help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without causing a person to get high.
Counselling and behavioural support
Addiction treatment often includes counselling and behavioural support services. These can involve individual therapy, group counselling, or support groups to address psychological and emotional health, help people develop coping mechanisms, and support long-term recovery.
A comprehensive treatment plan can offer additional healthcare services to address the holistic needs of individuals. The program may include access to primary healthcare, infectious disease screening (e.g., HIV or hepatitis C), mental health services, and social support services.
Harm reduction measures
Treatment programs often emphasize harm reduction strategies to promote the overall well-being of individuals. This service can include providing access to clean syringes, naloxone — an opioid overdose reversal medication, education on safer drug use practices, and referrals to other harm reduction services.
The specific details and structure of free opioid agonist treatment programs can vary depending on the healthcare system, country, and local resources. These programs are often implemented with input from healthcare providers, addiction specialists, and community organizations to ensure comprehensive care and support for individuals struggling with opioid addiction.
Some disagree with providing free opioid agonist treatment
There are various reasons why some people disagree with providing free opioid agonist treatment.
Moral concerns
Some individuals view opioid addiction as a consequence of personal choices and believe that providing free treatment could enable or condone addictive behaviour. They argue that individuals should bear the responsibility for their actions and that offering free treatment removes the consequences of their decisions.
Economic considerations
Critics might argue that providing free opioid agonist treatment places a significant financial burden on society. They claim that the costs associated with treatment, including medications, counselling, and support services, are too high and unsustainable in the long run. They may argue for allocating limited resources to other pressing healthcare needs.
Stigma and discrimination
Some individuals hold negative views or stereotypes about people with substance use disorders, including opioid addiction. They believe that offering free treatment encourages dependency and perpetuates the negative perception of individuals struggling with addiction. This perspective may reflect a lack of understanding of the complex nature of addiction and the potential for recovery with appropriate support.
Concerns about effectiveness
Some people question the effectiveness of opioid agonist treatments, such as methadone or buprenorphine, in addressing addiction. They may argue that providing these medications substitutes one addiction for another and does not solve the underlying issues. Additionally, critics might express concerns about the potential diversion or misuse of these medications.
Philosophical or ideological reasons
Opponents of free opioid agonist treatment may have philosophical or ideological objections to government intervention in healthcare or the concept of providing treatment as a public service. They advocate for a more limited role of government and believe that individuals should seek and pay for their own treatment.
While these viewpoints exist, the medical and public health consensus supports providing evidence-based treatment, including opioid agonist treatment, for individuals with opioid addiction. Many experts argue that offering free treatment can save lives, reduce harm, and improve public health and societal well-being.
Benefits of providing free addiction treatment
Finding the money to pay for treatment is one of the main reasons people don’t seek or get the help they need. When people can get free, safe treatment, they are far less likely to purchase illicit opioids from the toxic street drug market. Removing financial barriers and helping people get treatment leads to healthier, safer communities.
Other countries have had success with free treatment programs
Several countries have effectively implemented free opioid addiction treatment programs.
Portugal has successfully implemented a comprehensive approach to drug addiction, including opioids. In 2001, Portugal decriminalized the possession and use of drugs and redirected resources toward prevention, harm reduction, and treatment. This approach includes free access to opioid agonist treatment, such as methadone and buprenorphine, and a range of support services.
Over the years, Portugal has significantly reduced drug-related deaths, HIV transmission rates, and drug-related criminality. Portugal switched from treating addiction as a disease rather than a crime. Shifting from a criminal approach to a public health one — the so-called Portugal model — has dramatically reduced the number of heroin users in Portugal.
“You cannot work with people when they’re afraid of being caught and going to prison,” says psychologist Francisco Miranda Rodrigues, president of the Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses. “It’s not possible to have an effective health program if people are hiding the problem.”
Switzerland has a long history of offering free opioid addiction treatment programs, including heroin-assisted treatment. In this approach, individuals with severe opioid addiction who have not responded well to other treatments are given pharmaceutical-grade heroin under medical supervision. This program and other comprehensive treatment services have shown positive outcomes in reducing illicit drug use, improving health outcomes, and reducing criminality.
Australia has implemented various initiatives to provide free opioid addiction treatment. For example, the state of Victoria has established free community-based opioid treatment services, including access to medications like methadone and buprenorphine, counselling, and other support services. These programs have contributed to improved health outcomes, reduced overdose rates, and better retention in treatment.
These are just a few examples of countries that have successful free opioid addiction treatment programs. The success of these programs often relies on a combination of evidence-based treatment approaches, harm reduction strategies, and comprehensive support services tailored to the needs of individuals struggling with opioid addiction.
When people reach out for help, communities should offer them support. Everyone should have the opportunity and right to access free treatment for substance addiction, irrespective of income. When governments remove financial barriers to treatment, people can get the care they need to overcome their addictions, leading to safer, healthier communities.
Opioid agonist medications are cheap to manufacture. Providing free treatment medications is an inexpensive, easy, evidence-based way governments can address an urgent and deadly public health crisis.
Emergency Child Care First Aid FAQs
Are you a child care worker, parent, grandparent or babysitter living in the Coquitlam area? If so, you need first aid training. Red Cross Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR B is the best course for you. Please read our Emergency Child Care First Aid FAQs, visit our Emergency Child Care First Aid page or contact us. We look forward to seeing you in one of our classes soon.
About Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR Level B
Q: What is Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR Level B?
Red Cross Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR Level B is a one-day course introducing caregivers to injury prevention skills and knowledge. The class covers lifesaving first aid skills and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR and AED) for children and babies. Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR meets legislation and safety requirements for provincial/territorial early childhood education and child care workers. It is recognized by BC Child Care Licensing for child care workers and ECE students in British Columbia.
Q: Who should take Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR B?
Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR B is designed for child care workers and parents. Anyone caring for a baby or young child can benefit from this training, including siblings aged 12+, grandparents and adult babysitters.
Q: I am an Early Childhood Education (ECE) student. Is Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR B the right first aid course for me?
Yes. Most ECE students take Emergency Child Care first aid & CPR B. You can confirm this with your school before registering for a first aid course.
Q: Does Red Cross Emergency Child Care first aid include CPR Level B?
Yes. The Canadian Red Cross Emergency Child Care first aid & CPR course includes CPR Level B.
Q: Does Emergency Child Care first aid include AED (defibrillator) training?
Yes. The Canadian Red Cross Emergency Child Care first aid & CPR course includes AED training.
Q: Are there any prerequisites for the Canadian Red Cross Emergency Child Care first aid course?
There are no prerequisites for the Canadian Red Cross Emergency Child Care course. Adults and children aged 12 years and up can take Red Cross Emergency Child Care first aid & CPR.
Q: How long is the course?
The Canadian Red Cross Emergency Child Care first aid & CPR course includes eight hours of training plus breaks. When you attend the course, expect to be at the course location for approximately nine hours. BC Child Care Licensing requires child care workers to take a first aid course which includes at least eight hours of instruction.
Q: What topics does Red Cross Emergency Child Care CPR B course include?
Red Cross Emergency Child Care First Aid includes the following topics:
- The Red Cross
- Responding to Emergencies
- The EMS system
- Check, Call, Care
- Airway emergencies
- Breathing and Circulation emergencies – Child and baby
- First aid for respiratory and cardiac arrest – Child and baby
- Wound care
- Head, Neck and Spinal Injuries
- Bone, Muscle, and Joint Injuries
- Sudden Medical Emergencies
- Environmental Illness
- Poisons
- Caring for Children
Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR classes in Coquitlam
Q: Where can I find an Emergency Child care First Aid course schedule for Coquitlam classes?
Please click here for Emergency Child care First Aid courses in Coquitlam.
Private Group First Aid & CPR Training
Q: I run a child care centre, and my workers need first aid training. How can I book a group training session?
Please contact us about booking a private group Red Cross Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR B course at our Coquitlam classroom. We will gladly provide information, including available dates and a quote for your training.
Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR Training in BC
Q: According to the BC Child Care Licensing Regulation, what are the requirements for first aid training?
See Schedule C “First Aid” of the BC Child Care Licensing Regulation
Q: Where can I find the BC Child Care Licensing Regulation?
BC Child Care Licensing Regulation Scroll down the document to “Schedule C” – First Aid.
Q: Are there any virtual classes for baby or child first aid and CPR?
BC Child Care Licensing does not accept online or virtual training in place of in-person first aid & CPR training. There are online courses for those looking to refresh their memory between first aid classes.
FAQ’s About CPR Levels
Q: What does Red Cross CPR level B cover?
Red Cross CPR level B covers skills for the infant (0-1 year) and child (1-8 years). If you work with older children, we recommend you take Standard First Aid & CPR Level C. This course covers skills for all age groups, including adults and meets BC Child Care Licensing requirements for child care workers.
Q: What level of CPR should I have if I care for children aged eight years and up?
People caring for children older than eight years need a course that includes CPR level C. CPR C covers skills for all ages – infant, child and adult. If you work with older children, we recommend you take Standard First Aid & CPR Level C.
Q: What is the difference between CPR levels A, B and C?
CPR A covers skills for adults only.
CPR B covers skills for babies and children aged 0-8 years.
CPR C covers skills for babies, children and adults.
First Aid & CPR Training for ESL Students
Q: English is not my first language. Can I get a book to study before my Red Cross first aid class?
Yes. When you have registered for your Red Cross first aid class, please ask us to email you a PDF of the course book.
Q: I need to take an Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR with a Korean-speaking instructor. Can you help?
Yes. Our instructor, Lucy teaches classes for Korean students. Please contact us and we’ll put you in touch with her.
Q: What are the qualifications of a Red Cross Emergency Child Care First Aid instructor?
A Red Cross Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR course is taught by a certified Red Cross First Aid Instructor or Red Cross Instructor Trainer.
Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR Certification and Recertification
Q: What are the completion requirements for Red Cross Emergency Child Care First Aid?
To receive Red Cross Emergency Child Care First Aid certification, participants must:
- Attend and participate in 100% of the Emergency Child Care First Aid course.
- Successfully demonstrate skills and critical steps.
- Achieve a minimum mark of 75% for the written knowledge evaluation.
Q: When will I get my certificate after completing my Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR course?
Red Cross emails PDF certificates directly to students – usually within three days of the course date.
Q: How long is a Red Cross Emergency Child Care First Aid certification good for?
Red Cross Emergency Child Care First Aid certification is good for three years from the course date.
Q: Can I take a Red Cross Emergency Child Care First Aid recertification course to renew my certificate?
Child care workers in BC must take a course that includes eight hours of training to renew their certification. The BC Child Care regulation states that the certificate “is not renewable unless the holder, before the expiry date, participates in at least 8 hours of further instruction, at least 3.5 hours of which must be delivered in person, followed by an examination that includes demonstration and evaluation of the skills relevant to the matters described in section 2 of this Schedule (Schedule C of the BC Child Care Regulation.”
Even though the Canadian Red Cross offers a 6-hour recertification class, BC Child Care Licensing does not accept this. Therefore, Safe + Sound only provides the full course, not the recertification class.
Q: What materials do Emergency Child Care First Aid course participants receive?
- Red Cross Emergency Child Care First Aid course participants receive:
Red Cross Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR B certificate (digital certificate issued upon successful completion) - CPR mask
- The Canadian Red Cross “Child Care First Aid Manual” (eBook) is available for you to download upon completion of the class. Once certified, course participants can find digital manuals here: My Red Cross (myrc.redcross.ca) > My Profile > My Digital Books.
Questions About Emergency Child Care First Aid
Q: I have a question about Emergency Child Care First Aid.
If you can’t find the answer to your question in our Emergency Child Care First Aid FAQs on this page, please get in touch with us.
We look forward to chatting with you soon!
Online Safety Training Saves Time and Money
Access hundreds of online safety courses through our learning portal. Connect to a world of safety.
Many organizations struggle to manage employee training, track certifications and ensure compliance with safety standards.
The solution?
An industry-leading Learner Management System that meets these challenges and more by offering a comprehensive suite of training management features.
- Online training booking calendar
- Integrated performance management application
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- Built-in safety course library with hundreds of titles available on demand
Benefits of online training include:
- Cost effective: no hotels, travel, meals and less time away from the workplace.
- Convenient: courses can be completed wherever students have access to a computer and internet access.
- Self paced: students can pause at any time and continue where they left off.
- Consistent: video /slide format ensures the course is the same every time.
- Easy verification: online access to training and certification records for students and managers.
Learners
Take courses in your own time in the office or at home. On successful completion you can print you own certificates.
Employers
- Upload your own courses
- Store training records
- Access all certificates online
- Schedule classroom training
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World First Aid Day
When Gill McCulloch’s son was five-years old, he nearly died while choking on a candy. “It was the most frightening moment of my life when he stopped breathing!”
That day, Gill was able to save her son’s life, thanks to her training with the Canadian Red Cross.
First aid can help someone in need and can save lives. Observed every year and led by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), World First Aid Day promotes awareness about the importance of first aid.
For more than 70 years, the Canadian Red Cross has empowered Canadians through first aid education. This training is delivered both directly and through Training Partners. The Red Cross free First Aid app also places life-saving advice in the hands of every Canadian. In British Columbia, one such Training Partner is Safe + Sound First Aid Training, which consistently provides Red Cross certified first aid and CPR training.
More than two decades later, Gill McCulloch, the Owner/Director for Safe + Sound First Aid Training, continues to call this collaboration one of her best decisions to date.
From Student to Red Cross Training Partner
Growing up in a family with a history in medicine, Gill enjoyed being trained in basic first aid and CPR for her role as a fitness director in England. Later in Canada, during her first pregnancy, she wanted to learn CPR for babies. A decision that was cemented when the babies of three of her friends had choking incidents.
Soon afterwards, in 1999, a class with the Canadian Red Cross inspired her to become a certified First Aid Instructor. This led to the foundation of Safe + Sound First Aid Training, where she was later joined by her husband Warren.
“I was extremely nervous the first time I was called to teach CPR for babies to a group of new mums! But the applause at the end of the class gave me great confidence. The host was so sweet and thoughtful. She even made Red Cross themed cupcakes for us!”
From new mothers and young children, to corporations, her team has taught them all.
The Red Cross Connection: A Tale of Three Generations
A few years into her training work, Gill’s mother handed her a box with medals and other items. This revealed a family legacy.
In 1918, after being severely wounded and blinded in the trenches during World War I, her British grandfather recovered in a Red Cross hospital. During World War II, the Red Cross awarded her Dutch grandfather for his contributions to the Dutch resistance across occupied Holland.
“I was shocked! Our connection with the Red Cross, almost a century later, feels destined!”
This year, Gill’s daughter Chris has become a Red Cross Youth Leader and recently conducted her first Babysitting course. She beams with pride, “That’s three generations with the Red Cross now, carrying this legacy forward!”
Moving with the times
From offering free Babysitting training to refugees in Canada, to managing Red Cross training contracts with more than 30 organizations, Safe + Sound continues to serve the community.
When no in-person training was possible during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Red Cross supported Safe + Sound’s ability to provide Youth First Aid courses virtually and to offer some first aid & CPR courses in a blended format, combining online training with in-person delivery.
Gill believes every form of First Aid can be valuable for helping when needed, “the Red Cross Psychological First Aid course reduces stigma around coping with stress, loss and grief, while the Opioid Harm Reduction initiative is changing the conversation around opioid poisoning.”
“Through the ages, the impact of the Red Cross as an international, well-respected humanitarian organization continues to grow,” she remarks.
Worth It All
Over the years, her team has heard back from clients whose lives have changed – while some saved a life, others got a big boost in their self-confidence. In 2011, Safe + Sound became the first Red Cross agency to receive the ‘Partners in Humanity Award’. Since 1999, Safe + Sound First Aid Training has offered Red Cross training to more than 50,000 students of all ages and backgrounds.
“It’s an honour collaborating with the Red Cross. First aid education is a lifelong process, and can be learned at any age. At the end of the day, even one life saved is worth it. You never know whose life you might save. It could be a loved one or the life of a stranger you’re yet to meet!”
Are you inspired to learn First Aid and CPR? Visit redcross.ca/training-and-certification to find training in your area.
Related stories:
Working together to save a life: how a work team switched gears in a first aid emergency
Transit trio apply critical first aid skills to save a life
What to do when a child is choking
Annie Speaks: Top Tips on How To Get a First Aid Certificate
Student: Dear Annie, I’ve signed up for a first aid class, but I’m nervous. Can you give me some tips on how to pass my course?
Annie: You’ve already done the hard part by registering and paying for the class! Here are some tips to help you complete your training successfully.
Register for the right class
Ensure you’ve registered for the correct class. If your school or employer requires you to get a first aid/CPR certificate, confirm the name of the course you are required to take. There are various types of first aid and CPR courses and certifications available. Schools and industries require different types of training.
To save money, time, and prevent frustration, ask your school or employer which certificate you need before registering. If they tell you to “just get a basic first aid certificate,” ask them for the certification’s exact name. For example, Red Cross Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C or Red Cross Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR/AED Level B. Preferably, get this information in writing, so there are no misunderstandings.
Discuss any concerns before class
When you register for a first aid/CPR class, let the agency running the course know if you have any issues that would make it difficult for you to complete the training. For example, if English is not your first language, or if you have dyslexia or learning challenges, you may find it hard to understand the course material and do well on the multiple-choice test.
If you have joint problems or difficulties getting down onto the floor, you may find doing some of the required practical skills challenging. Your instructor may be able to make some accommodations to help you feel more comfortable during class and complete the training successfully. However, if you keep these issues to yourself, the instructor may not be aware of them and will be unable to help you.
Check your course details
After registering and paying for your class, you should receive a registration confirmation with course details and a payment receipt. If you’re taking a Red Cross blended course, you’ll also receive a link to your online training component.
If you don’t receive this information soon after registration, contact the company you registered with. If their office is closed, they won’t be able to help you, so don’t leave it until the night before the class.
Prepare for your class and complete prerequisites
Ensure you do what is required to prepare for your class. If you registered for a blended course that includes an online theory component and an in-person session, you might need to complete the online training before attending your classroom session.
If you leave this until the last minute and for some reason (e.g. a power outage) can’t complete the training before your in-person class, you may not be eligible to attend the session.
Set your alarm clock!
The day before your class, check if you’ve completed any course requirements and know the course location and start time. Remember to set your alarm clock.
Dress comfortably
During a first aid class, you will spend some time seated, listening to lectures, and perhaps watching videos or PowerPoint presentations. The instructor will also have you practice some skills on the floor. You may work with a partner or small group.
Wear comfortable, layered clothing and avoid short skirts, high heels, and tight jeans. Also, avoid heavy scents as some people are highly allergic to fragrances. The room may be air-conditioned, so bring an extra layer for comfort.
Show up at the right place and time
On the day of the course, arrive at the designated location 10 minutes before the course start time. The instructor may need to check your ID or ask you to fill in a form before the class begins.
Late arrivals disrupt the class and annoy instructors and other students. If you’re late, the instructor may turn you away as you may have missed too much material to catch up. In this case, it’s unlikely the company will offer a refund for your missed class. Agencies have different rules about attendance. Canadian Red Cross requires 100% participation for certification.
Participate fully
First aid training can be physically demanding. During class, participate as fully as you can. If you have any medical concerns or are worried about whether it’s safe to take a first aid class, chat with the first aid agency and your doctor.
Don’t take phone calls in class unless it’s an emergency. If you have to take a call, leave the room immediately and take it in the hallway. Return to class as soon as possible to avoid missing too much. Checking social media or texting in class is very distracting to others. Save this for your breaks.
If you don’t understand, ask questions
If you don’t understand something the instructor says, ask them to repeat it or explain it. If you don’t ask the question, you won’t know the answer, and there may be a test question on this topic. Remember, if you have a question, chances are someone else in the class has the same question. The only silly question is the one you don’t ask.
Understand how the test process works
When it’s time for the test, ensure you fully understand how it will be conducted and what you are required to do. You may be unfamiliar with multiple-choice tests. Your instructor should give clear instructions, but if you are confused, ask questions.
If you don’t understand a question, go to the instructor and ask them to explain. They can’t tell you the answer, but they can help you understand the question.
Check your answers
Mark your answer sheet clearly. If you miss a question and make a mistake on your answer sheet, ask for another one. When you’ve completed the test, check your answers. If you’re happy with your responses, hand in your exam and answer sheet to the instructor. They will mark your paper and let you know if you have achieved a passing grade.
The instructor will explain the next steps if you have not reached the required pass mark. They may ask you to contact the office in the morning to discuss your situation. Most people complete their training successfully.
So there you have it — Annie’s top tips for completing a first aid/CPR course and getting a Red Cross certificate! Many people are anxious about taking first aid and CPR training. Over the last 23 years as a Red Cross first aid agency owner, I’ve spoken with thousands of students and listened to their concerns. I hope these top tips from Annie will give people the information and confidence they need to take a first aid class and learn how to save a life.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Safe + Sound First Aid Training, and we’ll be happy to help.
Gill McCulloch, Director, Safe + Sound First Aid Training Ltd.
© Gill McCulloch, July 2022
New SIDS study leaves experts hopeful
The new SIDS study leaves experts hopeful, but they advise caution when interpreting results
“I found my little grandson lying dead in his crib.”
I’ve listened to many sad and shocking stories over my 23 years running a Red Cross first aid training agency. Emotional accounts of an infant lost to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are the most heartbreaking. Finding a beloved baby lying dead in their crib is a parent or grandparent’s worst nightmare.
A person’s feelings of grief and guilt when an infant dies on their watch are extreme. They wrack their brains to figure out what they could have done or not done to prevent the baby’s death. Attending a first aid course is often on their long list of self-imposed safety precautions to help avoid future tragedy. This is how I come to hear their stories.
According to a UNICEF report, globally, an estimated 2.5 million newborns die each year in the first month of life — approximately 7,000 babies every day. SIDS remains the leading cause of infant mortality in Western countries.
Thanks to new research and a world-first breakthrough at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead (CHW), Australia, there is hope that SIDS may soon be a thing of the past.
What is SIDS?
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is also known as cot death or crib death. It is the sudden, unexplained death of a child under 12 months of age. For a diagnosis of SIDS to be given, the death must remain unexplained even after a thorough autopsy and detailed death scene investigation.
SIDS most often occurs during sleep, and typically, death occurs between midnight and 9:00 a.m. Usually, there is no noise or evidence of a struggle.
Public health campaigns such as the Back to Sleep program have significantly reduced deaths from SIDS. However, it is still responsible for half of all post-neonatal deaths.
Background to the research study
For years, medical experts have suspected that a defect in the part of the brain that controls arousal from sleeping and breathing is what causes SIDS. They theorized that if an infant stopped breathing while asleep, the defect would keep the child from waking up. Until recently, the arousal mechanism remained a mystery.
Researchers have now identified Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in the blood of newborns. BChE is the first biochemical marker that could help detect babies more at risk of SIDS while they are alive.
What is BChE?
BChE plays a significant role in the brain’s arousal pathway. Researchers believe a BChE deficiency likely indicates an arousal deficit, which reduces an infant’s ability to wake or respond to the external environment, making them more vulnerable to SIDS.
BChE and smoking
Smoking during pregnancy is one of the risk factors for SIDS, along with family history, premature birth, room temperature, a baby’s sleeping position and other factors. The researchers noted that animal studies have shown a tie between secondhand smoke and lower BChE. However, many other changes in the first six months of life are also likely to affect these enzymes and the nervous system in general.
About the new SIDS study
The study was published on May 6, 2022, in the Lancet’s journal eBioMedicine. Doctor Carmel Harrington, study lead, Honorary Research Fellow at CHW, dedicated her career to researching Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) after her son Damien died from the condition in 1991.
“Twenty-eight years ago, I was a lawyer, who used to be a research biochemist and a mother of 3 gorgeous children, when one night my beautiful healthy baby son, Damien, died suddenly and without warning. I was told it was tragic and I was told to go home and enjoy my living babies and have more. I tried.”
You can read more of Dr. Harrington’s story here.
Study methods
The researchers measured levels of an enzyme called butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and total protein in blood samples taken at birth from 67 babies aged 1–104 weeks. These babies died of SIDS and other unknown causes between 2016 and 2020. Technicians measured BChE in both SIDS babies and infants dying from other causes and compared them to ten surviving infants with the same date of birth and gender.
Findings and conclusion
Researchers found that the children who died of SIDS had significantly lower BChE levels than living children or those who died of other causes. They concluded that abnormal BChE, present at birth in SIDS babies, represents a measurable, specific explanation for SIDS death. In babies with a “Non-SIDS death,” there was no association between BChE and death.
Study limitations
The study size was relatively small. Other limitations include that the blood samples were more than two years old, so the findings don’t reflect BChE activity in fresh blood. The researchers also used coroners’ diagnoses rather than autopsy findings. They included data on children between one and two years old, where SIDS is usually defined as involving a child under a year old.
Hope for the future with a spoonful of caution
The new information offers hope to grieving parents, but more research is needed. Though this study has identified a potential biomarker for SIDS, a test for it is a long way off. Experts say it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
First Candle, a national organization focused on eliminating sleep-related infant deaths and supporting families, welcomed the research but also urged caution.
“This is progress, and for that, we should be optimistic, but it’s not the entire answer,” CEO Alison Jacobson said in a statement. “Our concern with the development of a test for the vulnerability to SIDS is with parents having a false sense of security and adopting unsafe sleep practices.”
Final thoughts
Individual scientific studies rarely offer clear-cut answers, especially to complex problems like SIDS. Research builds on itself over time. Research on the more fundamental, biological reasons for devastating issues like SIDS is essential to remove the stigma from grieving parents and help offer potential solutions. New and promising findings are helpful.
There’s still a long way to go before a screening test for SIDS might be available. However, this latest research is a promising step forward in understanding a devastating condition. BChE is a potential biomarker that might be used in the future to design a test (perhaps at newborn screening) to identify babies that might be vulnerable. The results from this study will likely lead to a reduction in heartbreaking deaths from SIDS, and that is something to celebrate.
Whenever new research uncovers a possible cure or unveils the answer to a long pondered question, we need to pause and look past sensational headlines blinking their attractive messages. We need to dig deeper into study methods, question the results and consider the consequences of hastily drawn conclusions.
Having a little patience and conducting additional research, as well as duplicating studies on a larger scale, is wise. However, it doesn’t mean being so cautious we can’t celebrate legitimate advances in a particular field. It’s essential to acknowledge the tireless efforts of dedicated researchers, appreciate the significance of the study results for those affected, and hope for a brighter future.
In the case of the latest SIDS news, we need to keep an open mind, encourage and support research and hope for an end to SIDS in the very near future.
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