Many parents unprepared for emergencies

According to a new survey out of the University of Michigan, four in 10 parents (43%) have never received first-aid training, and aren’t confident making decisions about urgent situations, compared to parents with first-aid training.

"Even with appropriate supervision, young children experience urgent medical scenarios, and many parents may be unprepared,” Gary Freed, a professor of paediatrics and the poll's co-director, says. “We found that parents who had recent first-aid training were more confident in handling common medical situations."

"In some cases, such as a small burn, parents would likely be able to consult a first-aid resource to guide their response. Other situations, like choking, are clearly more time-sensitive and require immediate action. First-aid training can help parents stay calm and manage the situation more effectively."

Only half of parents surveyed would know what to do if their child were choking, and 1 in 10 parents would immediately take their child to the ER for a minor burn.

"Our report suggests that some parents may be using the ER for common situations that could be handled at home,” Freed says. “True emergencies warrant hospital trips, but determining what is in fact an 'emergency' can be a confusing and nerve-wracking experience for parents who want to make the right decision."

Royal Life Saving WA trains more than 30,000 people a year using hands-on, practical training that is flexible, enjoyable and engaging. We have first-aid courses for people with no prior knowledge, right through to advanced first aid and CPR training.

Find out more at the link below.