Here are 10 simple things you can do to save a child's life or prevent serious injury:

 

1. Restrain Children in Car Seats

   The following guides are great resources for keeping everyone safe while driving: American Academy of Pediatrics Car Seat Guide, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Car Seat Guide, KidsHealth Information on Child Safety Seats, and Car Safety Child Seat Guide.
    

   • All children are safest in the back seat!

   • Infants until 12 mos. & 20 lbs.

     • Rear facing seats

     • NEVER in the front seat

   • Children over 1 y/o & 20 - 40 lbs.

     • Forward facing car seat w/ harness

   • Children 40 lbs. to 4'9"

     • Booster Seat
        

2. Require Children to Wear a Helmet

   American Academy of Pediatrics Helmet Statement
    

   Over 20,000 children a year sustain head injuries while bicycling.Bicycle helmets are very effective, preventing the occurrence of up to 88% of serious brain injuries.

   
   New Hampshire Law requires that all children under 16 years of age wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. NH Bicycle Law.

   
   We offer bicycle helmets for a very low cost through a partnership with Safe Kids NH. We are able to offer free helmets to those who cannot afford them through our partnership with the Brain Injury Association of America. Click here to download the Bike Helmet Order Form.
    

3. "Back to Sleep" for Infants

   Back to Sleep Campaign
    

   Put your baby to sleep on his or her back - always! This simple step prevents possible suffocation and reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). NEVER put your baby on a water bed, bean bag, or anything that is soft enough to cover the face and block air to the nose and mouth.
    

4. Never Leave Your Child Alone Near Water

   • NEVER leave your child alone in or near a bathtub, pail of water, or pool, even for a moment.

   • Empty buckets after use. Your child can drown in less than 2 inches of water. Knowing how to swim does NOT mean your child is safe near water. Stay within an arm's length of your child. Fence your pool on all 4 sides at least 4 feet high.
      

5. Don't Smoke Near Children

   (even better, stop smoking!)

   • Cigarette smoke in the home increases respiratory illness, ear infections, asthma, and sudden infant death syndrome.

   • Exposure at home may also lead to cancer during adulthood.
      

6. Be Aware of the Dangers Associated with Teenage Driving

   Teenagers and Safe Driving: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

   • Automobile accidents are the leading public health problem for young people 13-19 years old.
      

7. Teach Your Children How to Dial 911

   Teach your children who to call & what to say in an emergency situation.

   • 911 – Fire ~ Police ~ Ambulance

   • 800.222.1222 Poison Control

   • Make sure your child knows:

     • Parent Name & Address

     • Teach your child not to hang up unless told to do so. The 911 operator may be able to offer help over the phone.

     • House Number - make sure your house number is visible from the street.
        

8. Emergency Information & Plan for Children with Chronic Illness

   American Academy of Pediatrics Emergency Plan Information

   
   If your child has a chronic illness or special needs, there are several steps that you can take to better prepare for medical emergencies:
    

   • Come Chat With Us

     • Call us or stop by the station to discuss your child's condition. Based on the information you provide to us, we can inform our EMTs, and can suggest other steps that might be appropriate (see below). We would also be happy to provide you with detailed information concerning our capabilities. Each of the communities that we serve also has a fire department that provides first responder EMS services, and we would suggest you contact them as well (their web sites can be located on our community links page).

   • Emergency Information Form

     • An emergency information form provides crucial information and guidance to EMTs and Emergency Room physicians. The form should, at a minimum, provide the child's name, date of birth, emergency contact information, medical conditions, medications, allergies to medications, and names of physicians. McGregor EMS can provide you with Emergency Information Forms.

       • Refrigerator - Place a copy on the outside of your refrigerator. EMS providers are trained to look here for emergency information.

       • School Nurse - Provide a copy to the school nurse.

   • Develop an Emergency Treatment Plan with Your Child's Pediatrician

     • If your child's condition will require changes to typical prehospital or emergency room treatment, you should discuss with your child's pediatrician or specialist the development of an Emergency Treatment Plan. The plan might specify, for example, higher doses of medications than would typically be administered by paramedics. An Emergency Treatment Plan may require the approval of the EMS Medical Director from the local hospital. We would be willing to provide you with input regarding the development of a plan.

   • Post Information with NH 911 Emergency Communications

     • You can provide a brief description of your child's condition to NH 911 Bureau of Emergency Communications. The Bureau can be reached at 603-271-6911. Thereafter, when you dial 911 from your home, the information that you have provided will appear on the dispatcher's screen, and will be provided to emergency responders.
        

9. Learn CPR!

   McGregor CPR Classes

   • CPR and defibrillation saves lives!

   • Studies show that bystander CPR/defibrillation is safe and effective.

   • Is your babysitter CPR certified?
      

10. Volunteer as an EMT!

    • We always welcome new volunteer EMTs.

    • McGregor Institute of EMS, our affiliate organization, offers an evening EMT course for residents.

    • Click Here to Learn More.