Minor, or even major incidents are not unusual in any child care setting. Even with supervision, children frequently sustain scrapes, bruises, cuts, bites and falls in the normal course of a day. Less frequently, emergencies such as seizures, asthma attacks, and allergic reactions may require immediate medical intervention. As a Childminder the best way to handle such incidents is to always be prepared and this is by updating your knowledge, skills and having the recommended basic supplies at hand.- The Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD), National Standards on Childminding Regulations, 2016 stipulates that a Childminder should have training in basic Paediatric first aid. It is for this reason that the IECD partnered with the Red Cross Society of Seychelles to develop a training programme in Basic Paediatric First Aid for – Childminders. Present at the ceremony to officially launch the training programme, were the CEO of IECD, Mrs Shirley Choppy and the Secretary General of the Red Cross Society of Seychelles Mrs Collette Servina, who welcomed the participants. The launch which took place on Saturday 24th September coincided with the International Day of First Aid which had ‘First Aid for Children’ as the theme for this year. A first cohort of 9 Childminders attended training sessions on Saturday 24th September and Saturday 1st October, whilst a second group followed the training on Saturday 15th and 22nd October. IECD staff- who work closely with the Childminders also had the opportunity to attend the training in order to better support the participants. The 14 hour training programme consisted of topics related to the management of common emergencies that can occur in babies and toddlers such as fractures, burns or allergic reactions. The Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation procedure formed part of the training. The instruction which consisted of both theory and practical sessions will be offered on an ongoing basis and is mandatory for all registered Childminders.
