Hi friends!
Mahalo for all of your support as we reeled from a very scary choking scare with my infant daughter. (BLOG HERE: How I Saved My Baby From Choking) If you have read the blog, you know that it was a traumatic experience. The “what ifs” are the worst. BUT, since telling my story I’ve experienced so many positive outcomes. Last year, I posted this blog with information about FREE CPR classes being offered and I wanted to update this blog with additional information for this year.

 

I’ve written another blog compiling what I’ve learned through reading YOUR comments (Click HERE to read those stories). What an eye-opening experience! I’ve been made aware of other choking hazards (Blog HERE) that I would have never thought about, resources that exist in our communities and just a general sense that moms support moms and parents support parents. We’re all just trying our best. Am I right?

 

That day, I learned a few things…

 

(1) Training WORKS. I always wondered if I would be able to jump into action and remember what I learned in CPR class… I did. The last class I took was 4 years ago… but I remembered… and took action.

 

(2) Being up-to-date with the latest life-saving techniques is critical. Whether you just need a refresher to keep it top of mind, or you actually need to learn new skills… staying current with CPR / AED training is very important. I did the finger sweep – from what I understand (several nurses have told me this) – this is no longer the recommended course of action. In my personal experience, when I did this it pushed the object back farther into my baby’s throat.

 

(3) Your “mama instincts” WILL kick in. We will all do WHATEVER IT TAKES to protect, defend and keep our children safe. I’ve always been told that my instincts would kick in, but I didn’t really know what that meant until I was faced with a situation where I had to rely on them.

 

Having said all of that, I now feel like I want… no NEED… to take action. I organized and signed up for a CPR / AED class and I’m helping to fill more of them. The first class had a really long wait list – which is amazing. I’m so so so so so so happy that other parents, caregivers and concerned citizens are taking action.

 

If you missed out on those classes last year, there are more dates that are available. These are through Hawaii Heart and AED International. You will be certified at the end of it. Details below.

 

FREE CPR / First Aid Certification 

 

– MAUI COUNTY –

 

Cost: FREE

How long: Approximately 2 hours

Class size: 25 students

How do I sign up? The class times below are hyperlinked. Just click on the class date that works for you and it will take you directly to the online registration form.

Other information: You can bring children to the class (of course, out of respect to others in the class, make sure to bring things to occupy them for the duration). Children of any age are welcome to sign up for the class as well. Use your discretion for the appropriate age.

 

UPDATE 7/18: THANK YOU for the response! Already filled ALL of the Maui spots! And, all of the KONA spots! Only two seats left for the HILO date. I will update this post if they add any extra seats or dates.  

**Where it’s written “__ Seats Left” is the amount of spots left in the class as of 5 p.m. JULY 18. It will go down as people sign up. When the class is no longer hyperlinked, it means the class is full.**

 

Location: Kahului Airport Fire Station

Dates:

Tuesday August 1 – 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (FULL)

Tuesday August 1 – 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (FULL)

Friday, December 15 – 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (FULL)

 

Additional Information for Kahului location: 

The classroom is located at the Kahului Crash Fire Station at 93-99 Kuhea Street. It’s on the Hāna Highway side of the airport. Drive to the end of the street and follow the signs to the airport crash fire station. You’ll pass the FAA tower and Maui Aviators and it’s at the very end of the street. If you need better directions, or get lost, call: (660)888-2375 – When you arrive, use the phone next to the gate to call into the station and a firefighter will come out and escort you into the building. Someone should be at the entrance about 10 minutes prior to the start of class to escort groups into the building.

 

Location: Kapalua Airport Fire Station

Dates:

Wednesday July 19 – 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (FULL)

 

Location: Molokai Airport Fire Station

Dates: 

Friday September 8 – 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (FULL)

 

– BIG ISLAND –

 

Location: Hilo Airport Fire Station

Dates:

Tuesday August 22 – 9:00 a.m. to 11: 30 a.m. (FULL – 5 additional seats added as of 7/25)

Tuesday August 22 – 1 :00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (1 seat left – 5 additional seats added as of 7/25)

 

Location: Kona Airport Fire Station

Dates:

Tuesday September 12 – 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (FULL)

Tuesday September 12 – 1: 00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (FULL)

 

– OAHU – 

 

There are several available dates on Oahu for this FREE offering of CPR / First Aid certification. Click HERE and click on “Airport Free CPR/AED Certification (AHA). This will produce a drop down menu with your options for signing up.