By Staff
EMERGENCY Illine Capps, left, pediatric and adolescent certified registered nurse and pediatric nurse manager at Riley Hospital, and Shelly Jenkins, registered nurse and
certified safe sitter instructor at Riley, show some of the problems that can be avoided when a child is left with a sitter who knows what to do in case of an emergency. Photo by Sharon White/The Meridian Star,
By Sharon White/The Meridian Star
Feb. 23, 2001
In the United States, accidents claim the lives of more children 6 years old and younger than any other cause of death.
Some of the deaths can be avoided and some cannot, said Deanna Cornish, community education coordinator at Riley Hospital. To enhance the chances of a child's survival while in the care of a sitter, Riley Hospital is sponsoring its annual "Safe Sitter" program for potential sitters between the ages of 11 and 13.
The class teaches safe and nurturing child care techniques, behavior management skills and appropriate responses to medical emergencies.
Instructors for the course will include three Riley Hospital registered nurses and a variety of emergency/rescue personnel from throughout the community.
Deadline for spring registration is March 5.
A $25 fee is required to cover the cost of a kit that includes a folder complete with first-aid materials and a backpack.
The mother of then 11-year-old Candice Gilmore remembers well how much more confident her daughter was after completing one of last year's courses.
The two-day course will begin March 12. Classes will be conducted from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Riley Hospital education building, located at 2113 11th St.
Participants are asked to bring a sack lunch, and the hospital will provide drinks and refreshments.
To register, call 484-3583.
Sharon White is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at swhite@themeridianstar.com.