Kids corner: Program teaches youngsters how to deal with emergencies

Key Peninsula Fire Department hosts CPR training

Hugh McMillan

Kids corner

The Key Peninsula Fire Department’s on-going training program for youngsters 11-13 is open to the public. It focuses on medically accurate, hands-on training in how to handle emergencies when caring for children.

KPFD Division Chief Chuck West invited me to sit in on a class a few weeks ago. It reminded me of my days as a volunteer firefighter/EMT.

The session was under the leadership of KPFD firefighter/EMT Mark Adams and assisted by volunteer firefighter/EMT Claudia Jones.

Adams said the program’s purpose is to teach kids how to be safe baby sitters and to give them confidence if they find themselves in an emergency situation, including when to call 9-1-1.

The program covers hands-on training in: What to do when a child chokes; safety for the sitter; baby sitting business skills; basic child care skills like diapering and feeding, and how to entertain children and keep them safe.

After practicing hands-on use of props and dummies and honing their skills, West conducted one-on-one oral and written exams.

Among the trainees was Andrew Denny, a visitor from San Antonio, Texas, who was “just one more of the kids.”

Karlee Fay Wilkinson, a student I asked for her impressions of the two-day program, said: “It was a great experience and I feel really prepared now. I feel really good knowing if a child is choking or needs CPR, I will be able to save them and know exactly what to do.

“I feel comfortable to baby sit a 9-month-old baby to a 10-year-old kid. I learned all the tools I need to be a safe sitter. We worked very hard and learned a lot!”

Wilkinson said she would recommend the class to anyone 11-13.

“It was a wonderful experience!” she said.

That about says it all, doesn’t it?

A $20 fee covers the program; scholarships are available based on financial need.

To register, call KPFD’s Vanessa Wells at 253-884-2222. Classes are at the Key Center fire station.

The next session will be Oct. 11-12. Advanced registration is required.

Hugh McMillan is a longtime freelance writer for The Peninsula Gateway. He can be reached at 253-884-3319.