News journal special
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many hospitals reduced or stopped teaching parents of newborn babies. The American Heart Association (AHA), the world’s leading nonprofit focused on heart and brain health for all, bridges the gaps in parenting education by providing 240 infant CPR anytime kits to the Christ Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview donates.
Infant CPR Anytime is for new parents, grandparents, babysitters, nannies, and anyone else who wants to learn infant CPR and basic first aid but doesn’t need a graduation card to complete a job requirement.
The kits contain everything you need to learn the life-saving skills of infant CPR and infant suffocation relief in about 20 minutes at home.
Classes are in Spanish and English. The kits are typically used in hospital labor and maternity programs, including NICUs (neonatal intensive care units), to teach skills to new parents.
“Our goal is to get these kits into the hands of fresh parents, giving them the essential skills and confidence to deal with emergencies,” said Krista Sharp, director of corporate development for East Texas.
If CPR is initiated during an emergency before emergency services arrive, the outcome will be greatly improved. With every minute that goes by without CPR and defibrillation, the chances of survival decrease by 7 to 10%.
“We want to support our families and provide them with the tools they need,” said Metosha Brantley, director of women’s and children’s ministry, Christ Good Shepherd Medical Center-Longview. “Providing this life-saving education and resources to new parents not only builds their confidence, but also ensures they are prepared for an emergency.”
