Child first aid

Currently Playing: Rescue Tips to Pull Children Out of a Pool

During my years as a lifeguard, I learned a lot about rescues. However, the first thing I learned was how to prevent rescues. This can be done by closing gates and having students where United States Coastguard approved puddle jumpers or lifejackets. ... If a child falls and might need medical attention, you need to designate someone to call 911. Don't just say, "Someone call 911." When they hear that, people assume someone else will do it. ... The reach or throw don't go rule is from the American Red Cross, because the last thing a drowning child needs is to be accompanied by a drowning adult. (Yes, I have rescued people who were struggling because they went in to try to rescue someone else who was struggling.) ... All that being said, if you do go in the pool to pull out a child, the main thing you want to do is get and keep the child's mouth and nose out of the water.