On Monday, January 16, 2023, eight area youth became Registered Safe Sitters through Sparta Community Hospital. Safe Sitter is a life and safety training program for young teens, grades 6-8. More than 600,000 graduates have completed Safe Sitter at over 900 Teaching Sites across the country. Graduates learn how to prevent injuries and handle emergencies when home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting.
Injuries are the leading cause of death in children up to age 5. Safe Sitter aims to reduce the number of avoidable and unintentional deaths among children being cared for by young teen caretakers. The program follows American Heart Association standards for rescue skills and instruction in first aid techniques from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The nationally-recognized program was developed by pediatrician Dr. Patricia Keener after a colleague’s toddler choked to death while in the care of an adult sitter who didn’t know what to do. Students who complete a Safe Sitter course gain confidence and learn how, why, and where injuries can happen so they can be prevented. They are taught infant and child choking rescue and CPR skills. They also learn how a child’s age affects the care they receive, how to prevent problem behavior, how to run their own babysitting business, and issues in online and cellphone safety.
For more information about Safe Sitter at Sparta Community Hospital, contact Jennifer Barbour at 618-443-1467.
Back Row L-R: Adalie Cunningham, Sparta; Certified Safe Sitter Instructor – Jennifer Barbour; Ellie Schmierbach, Marissa; Mary Alice Campbell, Coulterville
Front Row L-R: Lillian Wilson, Sparta; Jaycie Thies, Campbell Hill; Emma Woods, Steeleville; Ruby Leemon, Marissa; Kinley Lauer, Sparta