The importance of CPR and first aid training

The person looking after your child should have certain skills to keep your child safe such as CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first aid training, no matter their title.

According to Penny Steyn, who runs a domestic worker programme called Mad Domestic Watch (Mad), au pairs or nannies should definitely receive the minimal training, but domestics who have an extended stay with their employee’s child will need to receive a more extensive form of training to ensure employers have peace of mind that their children are taken care of.

Steyn said, “The domestic workers learn an enormous amount of skills by attending sessions regarding CPR and first aid. Through this, these workers grow extensively and become respected members of society.”

She added that the employees who attend these courses receive a certificate of achievement and this also improves their self-esteem enormously.

“When I give my talks or lessons to the attendees, I pose different scenarios which I expect them to take part in, which in essence will allow them to grow within the work place.”

Steyn has found is that there are over a hundred workers who want to learn about CPR and first aid, something she feels is very important as it is beneficial not only for their workplace but also in their personal lives. “This is a valid statement as I have witnessed first-hand what has happened by limiting our domestic worker’s access to certain facilities.”

She concluded that she has high hopes for employers to invest in their employees to get a better understanding and knowledge of CPR and first aid.

The topic for the May workshop will be first aid in any emergency and St John’s Ambulance will be there to help with demonstrations.

Details: Penny Steyn madpenny@absamail.co.za; 082 461 6968; 011 783 8776.

Related articles:

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/193716/how-to-avoid-drowning-2/

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/193157/mad-domestic-watch-celebrates-year-of-learning/