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Lynn Blank learned firsthand the critical need for knowing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The Rowayton resident had just finished teaching one of her "Stroller Strides" classs an exercise program for pregnant and new moms when one of the babies started choking.
"I was already certified in CPR, but I realized that most parents don't even know how to help their babies if they are choking." The child was fine, but the event altered the course of Lynn's professional direction.
Soon after, Lynn, who has a masters of education in counseling, became an American Red Cross CPR instructor. "I knew I could help many families by offering CPR classes to my group, as well as to the community." She mainly teaches infant CPR, as it includes a rubric on infant choking and emergencies.
Almost 9,000 children, 18 years old and under, suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year from trauma, cardiovascular causes or sudden infant death syndrome. Most frequently, an infant or child requires CPR for choking on a foreign object. According to the American Heart Association, more than 90 percent of children five or younger who die do so from this phenomenon, and 65 percent of the victims are infants. "Everyone should take a CPR course," says Lynn. She adds it's "good to refresh skills every year. It's peace of mind."
The majority of Lynn's students are new parents. Lynn explains that it's difficult for many mothers and fathers of young children to fit a regular Red Cross class into their busy schedules. But Lynn's classes obviate the need for babysitters. "Most of the time, babies and toddlers are there with us," she says. "I often have groups of new parents who get together in the evening at their homes to take my course." She also offers the class to grandparents and caregivers.
And while no one wants to imagine the inconceivable an infant or child in a critical emergency everyone should be prepared for one. Lynn's classes are educational insurance. You'll know how to react if the time ever comes. Hopefully, it never will.
Do you know CPR? If you think you do, when was the last time you took a refresher course? Visit the American Red Cross and find a class, or give Lynn a ping and see when she's offering another round.
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