First Aid Volunteer Tammy Kastner Blast to the Past VBA

Hi, my name is Tammy, and I am honored to serve as first aid volunteer again this year. The First Aid station will be located in the Ministry Center Office. I will be there Tuesday through Friday, and will have my cell phone on me. That way if I am needed in the ECA or step away from the office for any reason, you will be able to reach me. My cell number is (206) Please pray for the safety and protection from injury, for our children this VBA, as well as, for them to know Gods love and saving grace.

WHEN A CHILD CRIES Show empathy toward hurt child – not all hurts are physical Respond quickly, but calmly – children will mimic your response If in need of a bandage &/or ice bag o Have a Leader escort the injured child to the first aid station in the Ministry Center’s office – preferably the Leader who saw what happened o Be prepared to explain what happened to the fist aid volunteer and complete the appropriate Incident Report Form o Either wait to escort the child back to class, or leave the child with the volunteer If the hurt is emotional o Get eye level with the child o Talk softly and ask how you can help o Do not hug unless you have an established relationship with child and family If the child cannot be consoled o Find the area Coordinator Always let other CREW LEADERS know when you leave; and let them know which child is with you

REPORTING A HURT If you suspect that a child has been hurt (at VBA or elsewhere) o Do not discuss with any other person o Take your concerns to a Coordinator or a Director only, and as soon as possible If a child approaches you and makes a statement that causes concern o Do not interrogate the child o Listen empathetically o Ask if the child would like to continue with the day  If yes, return the child to activities and then leave to talk with a Coordinator or a Director.  If no, take to a Coordinator or a Director

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS Please be aware of possible food allergies that children in your group may have. I know that food containing peanuts is not provided by the church, but there are many other allergies to be aware of. Older school age children usually know to ask if a snack contains an ingredient they can’t eat but some of our younger children may not. In the past, children with severe food allergies have been told to bring a snack from home. This should be encouraged especially if a child has multiple allergies.

Hope everyone has a safe and fun time this year!