July 30, 2001

FOR RELEASE: Immediately

Kent & Queen Anne's Hospital is offering a two-day Safe Sitter program for young people, age 11 to 13. The class will be held on two consecutive Saturdays, March 9 and March 16 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Classroom instructors are specially trained Hospital nurses.

Participants in the Safe Sitter program learn the basics of child care, safety precautions, rescue breathing techniques, how to care for a choking infant or child, and how to recognize emergencies and call for help. The ethical and business principles of babysitting will also be discussed.

"The young people who have graduated from the course have told me they feel more confident as sitters and hope the training will make them better parents some day," said Gaby Connell, RN, a pediatric nurse who teaches part of the program.

Dr. Patricia Keener, an Indianapolis pediatrician, developed the program after a friend's child choked to death while under the supervision of a baby sitter. The goal of the program is to reduce the number of accidental deaths among children being cared for by sitters.

To complete the Safe Sitter program, participants must attend both sessions and pass a practical and a written test to prove that they have mastered the key concepts and skills necessary to handle an emergency. Students who pass earn a certificate documenting their status as Safe Sitters.

The course fee is $30 to cover the cost of instructional materials; Helen Humphreys Memorial Scholarships are available for those needing financial assistance. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. To register or for more information, call (410) 778-3300, extension 2320.

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