We had our infant/child CPR class which also touched on using a child safety seat, etc.  Oddly, the instructor told us that just hours before, they were suspending their safety seat certification program.  In other words, Northwestern requires that a seat installation be certified before departing with a baby but the program run by the Chicago Fire Department was not certifying a this time, with no explanation.

Regardless, we were told that 85% of people install the safety seat WRONG but 95% of all people felt they were doing it right.  Since we installed both seat bases in two different cars only a week before (and felt it was pretty straightforward), I asked what the most common mistake was.  Apparently, it’s not putting the safety belt in the proper mode, which involves stretching it to full extension and feeding it back slowly, and not tightening it enough.  I asked if it was possible to tighten it TOO much and the answer was NO.   We have both the latch system (all cars after 2002) and a car without it (which uses the belt).  From the demonstration, you really need to use your body to push it in as much as possible while you tighten it.  I’m determined to get an A+ when we take them in to be certified.  Apparently, the Oak Park FD still certifies at this time.

The bulk of the class was the CPR portion which was very important, of course.  I believe the steps were:

1. Check that the area is safe
2. Determine if the child is breathing (feel and listen)
3. Send someone to call 911 if possible, request a defib if one is nearby
4. Position the child (a table or dresser works well), tilt the head back to open breathing passageway
5. Begin with two breaths (holding the nose) followed by 30 compressions until child starts to breath or EMS arrives

I might have left something out but I’m pretty certain those were the big ones.  Also, we learned about choking emergency care.  Not the most fun class but necessary stuff.

We’ve completed the classes and now we’re certified to be PARENTS!