Paediatric First Aid: Essential for Childcare Settings

Children are not simply small adults. Their bodies respond differently to illness and injury, and the techniques used to help them must be adapted accordingly. For anyone working with children, specialised paediatric first aid training isn't just recommended—in many cases, it's a legal requirement.

Why Paediatric First Aid is Different

Children's bodies differ from adults in several important ways that affect first aid:

• Airway – Children's airways are narrower and more easily blocked
• Breathing – Children breathe faster and their respiratory systems are less developed
• Circulation – Children have smaller blood volumes and can deteriorate quickly
• Communication – Young children may not be able to tell you what's wrong
• Common conditions – Children are more prone to certain emergencies like febrile seizures and choking

CPR techniques, choking response, and many other first aid procedures must be modified for infants and children. Using adult techniques on a child could cause harm.

Legal Requirements for Childcare Settings

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework sets out specific first aid requirements for childcare providers:

• At least one person with a current paediatric first aid certificate must be on the premises at all times when children are present
• For childminders, the childminder themselves must hold a valid certificate
• The certificate must be for a full paediatric first aid course (minimum 12 hours over 2 days)
• Certificates are valid for 3 years

Schools, while not bound by EYFS, have a duty of care and are strongly advised to have staff trained in paediatric first aid, particularly in primary and early years settings.

What Paediatric First Aid Training Covers

A comprehensive paediatric first aid course includes:

Life-Saving Skills

• Infant and child CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
• Choking response for infants and children
• Recovery position for children
• Managing an unresponsive child

Common Childhood Emergencies

• Febrile seizures (fits caused by high temperature)
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• Asthma attacks
• Meningitis recognition
• Diabetic emergencies

Injuries and Illnesses

• Bleeding and wound care
• Burns and scalds
• Head injuries
• Fractures and sprains
• Poisoning
• Bites and stings

Emergency vs Full Paediatric First Aid

There are two levels of paediatric first aid qualification:

Emergency Paediatric First Aid (1 day) – Covers the essential life-saving skills. Suitable for those who need basic knowledge but don't have primary responsibility for first aid.

Paediatric First Aid (2 days) – The full course required by EYFS for childcare settings. Covers a comprehensive range of conditions and emergencies.

If you're working in a registered childcare setting, you'll need the full 2-day course to meet EYFS requirements.

Keeping Skills Current

First aid skills can fade without practice. While certificates last 3 years, it's good practice to:

• Refresh your knowledge regularly
• Practice techniques (many settings have training manikins)
• Stay updated on any changes to guidelines
• Consider annual refresher training