BABY SITTERS IN TRAINING:Red Cross teaches life-saving tips

By Janice M. Howard / Style Editor for the Southern Standard

Raven Roberts demonstrates the correct way to hold an infant at feeding time as baby doll Lauren drinks from a bottle. (Photos provided)

Warren County chapter of the American Red Cross recently expanded its services to include a training course for young baby sitters. The next session is set for June 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Purpose of the ARC Baby Sitter’s Training Course is to supply youth, ages 11 to 15, with the information and skills necessary to provide safe and responsible care for children in the absence of parents or guardians. This training will help participants develop skills in leadership and professionalism, safety and safe play, basic care and first aid.

The course is taught in two, three-hour sessions by a certified Red Cross instructor. Each participant is involved in all skill activities including infant diapering, feeding and basic first aid. They are also taught what to do for an infant or child who is choking, as well as instructions in other emergency situations.

When asked which part of the training was most effective, a student replied, “I think the most effective part is the breathing and compression because it’s fun to learn and I have a better chance of saving someone.”

Other students who have recently completed the course had the following to say?

“This is a great program!”

“I am well prepared for any unfortunate event that might happen.”

Anyone interested in participating in the American Red Cross Baby Sitter’s Training Course should call the local Red Cross office at 473-2595 for more information.