(Memphis) Parents, caregivers and anyone else who wants to learn how to perform CPR may attend one of three free CPR training sessions at the Medical Education and Research Institute Saturday.
Three one-hour classes will be offered – one at 9 a.m., the second at 11 a.m. and the third at 1 p.m.
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital annually treats about 40 children who drown or almost drown in pools, ponds or other bodies of water.
Certified CPR instructors from local agencies, including the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy, Christian Brother University paramedic students, Methodist Healthcare and Memphis Fire Departments, will lead the training.
“As the swimming pools open for the summer, we want to remind parents how important it is to do a few simple things to protect children. The first is to learn CPR. It can truly save a life. The second is to designate a water watcher. Make sure someone always has their eyes on the children,” said Susan Helms, director of injury prevention and Safe Kids Mid-South at Le Bonheur.
When? Saturday, June 8, at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. or 1 p.m.
Where? Medical Education and Research Institute, 4 South Cleveland in Memphis
Cost? Free!
How to register: Email CPR@splashmidsouth.org or call 901-287-5992. Walk-ins welcome.
What to bring: Something to kneel upon (like a towel). Dress comfortably.
The event is hosted by Splash Mid-South, Le Bonheur and Safe Kids Mid-South.
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National drowning statistics from Safe Kids USA:
On average, an annual 3,600 injuries occur to children due to a near-drowning incident.
Each year, more than 830 children ages 14 and younger die as a result of unintentional drowning.
Home swimming pools are the most common site for a drowning to occur for a child between the ages 1 to 4 years. According to a national study of drowning-related incidents involving children, a parent or caregiver claimed to be supervising the child in nearly nine out of ten child drowning-related deaths.
In the summer, between May and August, drowning deaths among children increase 89 percent over the rest of the year.
