Emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye, and as parents, we want to be ready for anything. Whether it’s a choking incident at dinner, a fall at the playground, or an allergic reaction, knowing what to do in those crucial moments can make all the difference. The good news? You don’t need to be a medical professional to save a life—you just need the right knowledge and a calm response. Here are the essential life-saving skills every parent should know.
CPR for Children and Infants
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a skill every parent should have. The technique for children and infants differs from that for adults, so it’s essential to know the correct steps. For infants under one year, use two fingers in the center of the chest and give gentle compressions. For children over one year, use one or two hands and compress firmly but not as forcefully as you would for an adult. In both cases, rescue breaths are crucial.
The American Heart Association and the Red Cross offer in-person and online CPR certification courses.
Choking First Aid
Choking is a leading cause of injury in young children, especially those under five. If your child is choking but still coughing, encourage them to keep coughing. If they can’t breathe, speak, or make noise, act immediately.
For children over one year, stand behind them and perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) by placing a fist just above their belly button and thrusting inward and upward. For infants under one year, give five firm back blows between the shoulder blades, followed by five chest thrusts.
If the child becomes unconscious, begin CPR and call 911. The American Red Cross provides a helpful guide here.
Using LifeVac and Similar Anti-Choking Devices
In addition to knowing the Heimlich maneuver and infant choking first aid, many parents are turning to anti-choking devices like LifeVac as an extra layer of protection. These devices use suction to help dislodge an obstruction from a person’s airway, and they can be used on children and adults.
Products like LifeVac and other airway clearance devices are designed for situations where traditional choking first aid isn’t effective. They can be particularly helpful for parents who may struggle with performing abdominal thrusts, or in cases where a child is too small or fragile for the Heimlich maneuver to be done safely.
If you decide to keep one of these devices at home, it’s crucial to read all instructions and practice using it beforehand. Many products come with a practice mask so you can familiarize yourself with how they work before an actual emergency arises. The last thing you want is to be fumbling with it when every second counts.
While these devices can be life-saving, they should never replace traditional choking first aid. Always attempt back blows and abdominal thrusts first, and if the child is unconscious, begin CPR and call 911. Having multiple ways to respond to a choking emergency can make all the difference in a critical moment.
Handling Burns
Burns are common in homes, especially from hot liquids, stovetops, and sun exposure. If your child gets a minor burn, run cool (not ice-cold) water over the area for 10-15 minutes. Avoid butter or ointments, as these can trap heat. Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick bandage.
Seek medical help for burns that are large, blistering, or involve the face, hands, or genitals. If a burn is severe (charred, white, or deep), call 911 immediately.
Dealing with Poisoning
Household poisons like medications, cleaning products, and even some plants can be incredibly dangerous to children. If you suspect poisoning, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. They can guide you on what to do based on what was ingested.
Avoid inducing vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so. Keep potential poisons locked up and out of reach, and ensure all medications have child-proof caps. More poisoning prevention tips can be found here.
Stopping Severe Bleeding
Kids get cuts and scrapes all the time, but some wounds need more than just a bandage. If your child is bleeding heavily, apply firm pressure with a clean cloth. If the blood soaks through, add another layer without removing the first. Elevate the injured limb if possible.
If bleeding doesn’t slow after 10 minutes, or if the wound is deep, gaping, or has something embedded in it, seek medical attention immediately. If you suspect a major artery is involved (spurting blood), call 911 and consider using a tourniquet if trained to do so.
Recognizing and Responding to Allergic Reactions
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can be life-threatening, and they often occur quickly after exposure to allergens like peanuts, bee stings, or certain medications. Signs include swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, and hives.
If your child has been prescribed an EpiPen, administer it immediately and call 911. Even if symptoms improve, they will still need medical evaluation. The website Food Allergy Research & Education has great resources for parents of children with allergies.
Responding to Drowning Incidents
Drowning happens quickly and silently, making water safety a top priority. If you see a child struggling in water, call for help and try to reach them with a floatation device. If you must go in, make sure you don’t put yourself at risk.
If a child is pulled from the water and isn’t breathing, start CPR immediately and call 911. Even if they seem okay, always seek medical attention, as secondary drowning can occur hours later. The CDC provides excellent water safety guidelines here.
Calling for Emergency Help
In a crisis, knowing how to call for help is just as important as providing first aid. When calling 911, stay calm and clearly explain the situation. Provide your location and follow the dispatcher’s instructions carefully.
Teach your children how to call 911, what information to give, and when it’s appropriate to call. This can be life-saving if they ever need to seek help for you or a sibling.
Be Prepared, Stay Calm, and Take Action
Emergencies are unpredictable, but preparation can save lives. Taking a first aid or CPR course, having emergency numbers easily accessible, and keeping a well-stocked first aid kit in your home and car can make all the difference.
Parenting comes with plenty of surprises, but with the right knowledge and quick action, you can handle anything life throws your way. Stay prepared, stay informed, and most importantly—stay calm.