Child care emergencies will be topic of program

The East Brunswick Rescue Squad will present a program titled “Emergency Medical Services for Children” at 7 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the squad headquarters, Cranbury and Summerhill roads.

The program, developed by the state Department of Health and Senior Services, is aimed at child-care providers, including those who provide in-home care.

Topics will include understanding what constitutes an emergency, the benefits of planning for and managing an emergency, individualizing emergency plans for each child-care setting, awareness of resources, and developing emergency policies and procedures.

The focus of the program is emergencies such as power outages and terror alerts and what to do with babies and toddlers during such situations, according to Marilyn Lyons, a program coordinator.

“The program is for ‘lock-down’ situations,” Lyons said. “We brainstorm about their individual facility needs. We learn emergency management terminology and who the local emergency management personnel are.”

Lyons noted the class does not include basic first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), both of which are still encouraged for child-care professionals.

“This program is one way we can help the community before they need to call 911,” said Lisa Grande, squad captain. “Prevention and preparedness are key to ensuring safety and quality care.”

Admission is free of charge. Refreshments will be served.

For more information and to reserve, call (732) 238-8739.