When to call an ambulance for your baby

In the last two posts we looked at baby health and injuries issues - when you can skip a doctor's visit and when you must visit a doctor. For our last health post of the day, we'll look at when to call an ambulance. If you have to call an ambulance for your baby, there's obviously something seriously wrong. Most of the time common sense will tell you when to call an ambulance; but there are some other markers you can follow. If your baby...

• Is gravely ill.
• Cannot breathe or is very short of breath.
• Has a neck, head, or back injury.
• Has been electrocuted.
• Has a weak pulse or no pulse at all.
• Is choking and first aid is not helping.

Other reasons to call an ambulance: If your baby is very sick or injured and you don't have access to a car, OR you are far too stressed and upset to drive. If you can't find someone else to drive you, an ambulance may be safer. Because you can't offer care in your car and an ambulance can, it's better to call an ambulance if your baby is very sick or injured and you live far away from medical facilities. What to do while you wait for an ambulance: The first aid you can give your baby before an ambulance arrives may be the difference between life and death for your baby. This is why it's so vitally important that all parents take infant and child cpr and first aid. If you don't know how to administer first aid or because you're so stressed you forget first aid procedures, call 911, and someone will talk you through first aid guidelines. Ideally besides being trained in cpr and first aid, you should keep an infant cpr and first aid guide book in a place you'll remember, so in case of an emergency, you'll have it.