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There are little things you can do to prepare for an emergency, just in case one does happen, and your child needs immediate care. 

  • Keep a list of emergency numbers by the telephone. This should include 911, police, fire, your doctor, your child’s doctor, and poison control.  When a baby-sitter looks after your child, make sure she knows where those phone numbers are located.
  • Also keep on hand your child’s medical history.  This should include allergies, immunizations, and previous illnesses.  This will help the care provider take care of your child and prescribe the correct medication.
  • Learn CPR, and keep your certification up to date.
  • In an emergency, remain calm.  Check to see that you are not in danger, as well (for instance, if your child has been hit by a car, do not dash into the street without making sure that you will be safe.)
  • Collect information about your child’s state before you call 911.  When you call, it will be most helpful in the long run if you can tell them:

    • Your name and the phone number and location from where you are calling
    • What happened, to whom, and the age of the person
    • The general state of the person who is hurt
    • What first aid is being done

 

 

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Last update November 3, 2002

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