Students Receive Safe Sitter Certification
STUDENTS RECEIVE SAFE SITTER CERTIFICATION
Led by Pinckneyville Community Hospital nursing staff members, Denise Gielow, Kelsey Priebe, and Gloria Przygoda, students learned how to prevent injuries and handle emergencies when home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting.
Injuries are the leading cause of death in children up to age 5. Safe Sitter aims to reduce the number of avoidable and unintentional deaths among children being cared for by young teen caretakers. The program follows American Heart Association standards for rescue skills and instruction in first aid techniques from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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 as well as basic first aid. They also learn how to prevent problem behavior, what to do in emergencies such as in a tornado or fire, how to run their own babysitting business, and online and cellphone safety.
Students who graduate from a Safe Sitter course receive a completion card that demonstrates they know how to use their skills in situations they encounter.
Keeping the community healthy and educated is a top priority of Pinckneyville Community Hospital. The Safe Sitter class curriculum is designed for students in 6th-8th grade. This is open to students from any surrounding community or town. The next class is scheduled for Monday, April 21st from 9:00am-3:00pm at Pinckneyville Community Hospital. The class fee is $15.00, and it includes breakfast and lunch. To register your child, please call Brandy Steely at 618-357-8898 or email bsteely@pvillehosp.org.
