Eleven local students received Safe Sitter Certification at Pinckneyville Community Hospital on Saturday, March 16.

Students led by Pinckneyville Community Hospital nursing staff members, Amanda Frassato, RN, Lindsey Winter, RN, and Nancy Keller, RN, learned how to prevent injuries and handle emergencies when home alone, watching younger siblings or babysitting.

The nationally recognized program was developed by pediatrician Dr. Patricia Keener after a colleague's toddler choked to death while in the care of an adult sitter who didn't know what to do. Students who complete a Safe Sitter course gain confidence and learn how, why, and where injuries can happen so they can be prevented. They are taught infant and child choking rescue and CPR. Students also learned how a child's age affects the care they receive, how to prevent problem behavior, how to run their own babysitting business and issues in online and cellphone safety.

A second Safe Sitter course has been scheduled at Pinckneyville Community Hospital for Saturday, April 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The class is $10.00 and includes lunch. To register your child, contact Jennifer Barbour at 618-357-8898.

Photo: Back Row (L-R) - Amanda Frassato, RN (Instructor), Peter Geppert (Oakdale), Andrew Knapp (Tamaroa), Ruthie Rose (Zeigler), Sierra Patterson (Pinckneyville), Tessa Miller (Mt. Vernon), Lindsey Winter, RN (Instructor); Front Row (L-R) - Alex Word (Nashville), Aubrey Word (Nashville), Kennedi Bierman (Coulterville), Hannah Endsley (Ina), Sammie Dudley (Ina), and Katie Arview (West Frankfort); Not Pictured: Nancy Keller, RN (Instructor)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Barbour, 618-357-8898