Disclaimer:
This medical
information is designed as an aid only for the
patients of
Drs. Concannon & Vitale.
It is not a substitute for a medical
exam and direct
advice from your physician.
A PARENTS' CHECKLIST FOR BABYSITTERS
- AGE: Age 12 should be the absolute minimum. Younger
children do
not
have the emotional or physical maturity to deal with many of the
problems
that could arise. A good rule of thumb is, the younger the children
being
watched, the older the babysitter should be.
- REFERENCES: Sitters should provide references that indicate a
proven
track
record for showing good common sense, maturity and following
instructions.
- FIRST AID: Sitters should have first aid training and know the
Heimlich
maneuver for aiding choking victims. A knowledge of CPR techniques for
infants and children is also important. Many RI community organizations
run periodic babysitter training classes. Check with the local
Red Cross for these courses at www.riredcross.org..
- NO SURPRISES: There should be no surprises on either side. Before
a
sitter
is left alone with the children, fees, house rules, discipline, etc.
should
be clearly discussed.
- EMERGENCIES: Sitters should always err on the side of caution. If
a
babysitter
suspects a child in their care needs professional medical help, they
should
get it, even if it turns out later that it was an unwarranted
precaution.
- HOUSE RULES: Make sure everyone understands the 'house rules' in
terms
of what is permissible, for both the sitter and the children. Examples
include whether or not guests are allowed, telephone use, allowable
snacks,
etc.
- CHECKLIST:
- Keep a list of qualified babysitters. In case your regular
sitter is
busy,
you won't have to take 'just anyone' at the last minute.
- Tell the sitter where you will be and how to reach you by
phone. Carry
a cell phone if you have one. Leave the number by the phone.
- Make sure the sitter knows how to access emergency medical
services
such
as the ambulance (dial 911) Also, put the number
of the poison control center (1-800-222-1222)
by the phone.
- Give the sitter the shortest route to the nearest hospital
emergency
department
in case he or she must drive there. If the sitter does not drive, make
arrangements with a neighbor who could be contacted in the event of an
emergency. Explain that they should use the hospital's 'Emergency
Department'
entrance and make sure they know where it is. For children less than
one
year of age, or for children with complex medical conditions we
recommend only
Hasbro Children's Hospital Emergency Room. For older children
with minor medical emergencies, local hospital emergency rooms and
walk-in
urgent care centers are usually fine.
- In order to be treated for anything less than a
life-threatening condition, however, your babysitter will need your
written consent and your health insurance card. This is probably
necessary only if you'll be unreachable for any length of time. Explain
the
significance of the 'consent-to-treat' form (see
Consent Form for Parents), sign it in the sitter's presence and
instruct
him/her to take it to the emergency department if the need arises.
- Leave the sitter a list of current health problems any of the
children
have and what medications or other treatments are prescribed. Also list
any allergies to medications your child has.
- It the sitter has to give medication, either measure it in
advance or
have
him/ her practice measuring it until you're confident it can be done
properly.
- Give the name and number of a nearby friend or neighbor who can
be
called
on quickly for assistance.
Adapted from the American College of Emergency
Physicians
Rev. 10/2005 BABYSITTERS.htm
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