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FCC training proves to be life saving

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  When a Family Child Care provider becomes certified, they often walk away with critical information in case of an emergency. However, the chances are rare, especially within the first month of starting at-home care for Team Eglin's children, that an emergency arises.

On Sept. 8, newly licensed and employed Erica Russell adeptly saved the life of one of the five little ones who she looks after daily--an unusual and intimidating situation.

"During Hip-Hop-Harry (music time), I noticed Alexandria, who loves dancing, wasn't, and she seemed out of it," said Mrs. Russell. "I picked her up and she felt warm."

After getting a temperature reading of 103 degrees, she immediately called the mother and told her why she would need to pick up her daughter as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the other children gathered at the table as directed by Mrs. Russell while  she tended to Alexandria's fever. Then the unexpected happened.

"As I held and rocked her, she began to shake and her eyes started to roll towards the back of her head," said the care provider, who was trained to respond with CPR and dial 911 upon emergency. "It was super scary. You get all the training, but you are not sure you'll put it to use. For her to be in my care and something to happen to her was scary."

Had it been her own son, Mrs. Russell would have rushed to the emergency room.  But, with a house full of toddlers, all she could do was calmly wait for the ambulance. Fortunately, her quick response to aid Alexandria with CPR helped the child resume breathing normally and survive what could have been a fatal seizure.

"I'm extremely grateful that Erica did what she did for Alexandria because my daughter is still here with us today," said the child's father, Senior Airman Abraham Mireles, 96th Medical Support Squadron.

Airman Mireles said he ran to pick up his daughter, but didn't realize how serious the situation was until emergency room technicians told him about the conditions Alexandria had experienced. Later, Airman Mireles informed Mrs. Russell that tests were completed and the child had an ear infection which brought on the high fever and seizure.

"We were all happy to learn the child returned to daycare a few days later and was fine," said Rose Jones, who supervises and trains FCC providers. "Mrs. Russell demonstrated impeccable patience and calmness towards the children in her care. She has a phenomenal talent for nurturing and balancing the spirit and individual skills of each child while instilling great and remarkable attributes such as caring, respect and love for one another."

The 96th Air Base Wing commander presented Mrs. Russell with a coin at an Oct. 6 staff meeting and commented on her supervisor's description of her strong personality and unwavering commitment to her chosen profession, to the children in care, to the parents and to the FCC program.

Even her husband, who is away training for deployment, had the opportunity to call home, make sure everything was "O.K." and expressed how proud of her he is.

"I think I'm the only person this has happened to," said Mrs. Russell, who is pursuing a degree in elementary education to make a career out of her passion for teaching and caring for children. "My advice to other providers is to pay attention to the training because, with children, you never know what situation you'll find yourself in. Be ready to get there, react quickly and stay calm."

To qualify for a family child care license, providers must have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete Eglin's orientation class. Orientation classes are offered every other month, as needed, alternating from day and early evening classes Monday - Thursday, four hours each. Lessons include: program regulations and policies, fire safety, medication training, health and USDA food guidelines, business operations, child abuse awareness and appropriate guidance. CPR/First Aid/Pediatric First Aid training is available on Fridays. Once licensed, FCC providers must complete 24 hours of training a year in the child care area and CPR is renewed every year.

Anyone interesting in learning more about the FCC program, either to seek child care or employment, should call 882-2994.