Erinn, the emergency procedure you outlined is exactly the plan I have in place. I hope, hope, hope it never happens, but if a child has to go to the hospital the paramedics are the best people to be caring for them. And we have to care for all the other children who would most certainly be upset and need lots of attention if something bad happened in front of them. The parents have to be responsible to meet their sick child at the hospital.
This seems like an easy one to answer, and you already know what to do! IF you had an emergency that required immediate medical attention, there is NO WAY possible, you alone could take care of that child, dress properly and strap into a care seat, and dress and strap all other children in care, commute to the hospital, safely secure the other children while getting the little one in distress to the ER, or unstrap all, unload from car, get hurt child in with all others and care for everyone properly. Your ONLY option in an emergency situation is to follow a written plan of: call 911, secure the child (administer cpr, first aid, etc.) call next of kin for child, call emergency care giver for help, make sure all other children are safe and accounted for. That in itself can be daunting. I couldn't imagine attempting to transport that child and all others to the ER. Not to mention, couldn't there be more liability involved if you chose to take into your own hands? what if the parents sued you for taking too long to get to hospitol or what if you get into an accident on your way? too many what ifs....stay home call 911, care for the child until the ambulance, notify parents and keep all other kids calm and cared for. That's your job!
You guys are amazing! Thanks for the reassurance :)
What I would do is have a neighbour/friend of mine who i know and trust to be my emerg back up. As a parent I would not want my child alone and scared in an ambulance. If a child needed 911 I would go with them in the ambulance and have my Emerg back up come and stay with the other children in my home until their parents could pick up (I would call all those parents for early pick up.) Also a police officer or firefighter will stay with the children until back up or parents are there. Just my opinion hopefully it is never needed!!!
No, I could never do this. Remember, you are responsible for all the children all the time. It would be wonderful if you have a spouse as backup though, someone you trust completely.Quote:
Originally Posted by kassiemom
In some cases the paramedics do not want others in the ambulance and require them to follow in their car anyways.