11-year-old saves mom with Red Cross babysitter training

When youth choose to participate in community activities, they help invigorate projects with their passion and dedication. Making the world a better place is a motivating factor for youth and gives them the energy to tackle new and exciting initiatives each day.

As one of the most active charity organizations in Canada, the Canadian Red Cross offers a variety of programs that youth can get involved in that help impart valuable skills and confidence to children and teenagers.

For youth who are getting involved in babysitting, first aid and CPR training offered by the Canadian Red Cross can enable them to overcome potential challenges. It can also help youth assist those in need at a moment's notice, like 11-year-old Connor McCarthy was able to do when his mother was affected by a medical emergency.

Connor's story
The Red Cross' babysitting course is available to youth over the age of 11 and provides helpful information about first aid and CPR that can be important to know in the event of an emergency.

Two weeks after Connor participated in a babysitting course offered by the Canadian Red Cross, he was faced with a life-altering emergency, yet he was able to respond decisively as a result of the skills he gained.

While having dinner with his family, Connor's mother began to choke and was unable to breathe. Acting quickly, Connor walked over to his mother and delivered abdominal thrusts until she was able to breathe again without any obstructions.

As a result of his fast thinking, Connor's mother survived this incident. On May 9, 2013, Connor was recognized for his good deed by the Red Cross and awarded a Red Cross Rescuer Award.

Show your support
All it takes is one moment to change a person's life forever. In the event of a medical emergency, every second counts and could mean the difference between a bright future and one cut tragically short.

Youth who have participated in the Canadian Red Cross' first aid and CPR programs know how to react during situations to ensure individuals are kept safe until emergency response medics arrive on scene. The knowledge and confidence that youth develop while training with the Canadian Red Cross can provide them with vital skills for years to come.

If you have a son or daughter who is planning to babysit, consider the benefits of the Canadian Red Cross' programs, which can help him or her gain all of the resources needed to be a successful caregiver of children.

You can also show your support for the Canadian Red Cross by choosing to donate online or at your local office today. Each contribution helps keep these and other great Red Cross programs available to Canadian youth.