What is a Paediatric First Aid Course?

Statistics reveal accidental injury is one of the most common causes of death in children over the age of one. Around ten children die as a result of falling every year, and 67,000 have an accident in the kitchen. Stairs can be hazardous as the stats reveal. 58,000 children a year have accidents on the stairs and more than 28,000 every year need treatment for poisoning. Another serious concern reveals that around 70% of parents in the UK lack the first aid skills needed to help their child in an emergency. So, what is a paediatric first aid course?

Children often need specialist treatment accordingly to their age, development and size. Paediatric First Aid is a specialism involving the practices and skills needed to treat infants and child age groups, and teenagers up to 18 years old. A paediatric first aid course gives you the hands-on practice you need to confidently manage an ill or injured child in an emergency.

Who should take a paediatric first aid course?

You might be a nanny, childminder or working in a nursery or school. You might be a sports coach or an after-school club teacher. Perhaps you are a parent, grandparent or a carer keen to learn and become proficient in baby or child CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation).

Anyone in contact with children or is working towards a regulated (RQF/Regulated Qualification Framework) qualification in Childcare and Education, understands child safety is a priority. Undertaking a paediatric first aid course is a requirement set out by OFSTED for anyone working in an Early Years setting. Although most of the accidents are minor, it’s prudent to equip yourself to manage a first-aid incident.

Find a regulated accredited course

Aim to source a paediatric first aid course that manages first aid injuries and illness related to a baby, infant or a child prior to the arrival of the emergency services. The waiting time for an ambulance to arrive is extremely critical. Administering first aid in that critical time has often been shown to significantly improve the chances of survival or minimising an injury or illness. A regulated Emergency Paediatric First Aid course is usually completed in a day and delivered in a group setting.

The course selected must meet OFSTED requirements and adhere to the current guidelines set by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). A regulated course meets the very standards offering candidates assurance and peace of mind. Undertaking a course will empower you to handle an emergency situation under pressure with calm and as a result, give you confidence in your first aid abilities. This is very important if you are dealing with a choking child who may be unable to explain the situation or clearly communicate an injury or illness because of their age. As with any skill learnt and practised frequently, as a qualified first aider you will naturally feel confident.

All qualified level 2 or 3 childcarers must have a paediatric first aid qualification. As a minimum, one person must hold a valid Paediatric First Aid certificate employed in a childcare setting. Employers should also consider the need for additional first aiders identified by the assessment of their workplace in an event where the main first aider is absent.

Which paediatric first aid course should I take?

This is usually the first question we frequently get asked. To simplify the selection there are only two accredited regulated courses to consider:

Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid

Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid

The single-unit Level 3 Award Emergency Paediatric First Aid course is usually delivered in one day, covering the basics of child first aid. This qualification offers any candidate working with children in the early years’ settings including teachers and school staff to develop the skills and knowledge required to manage life-threatening conditions, illness and injuries. The course covers important topics such as resuscitation and choking to ensure learners can assess an emergency in a given first-aid scenario. The learning outcomes and contents are available to view on the course page Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid

The advanced Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid course is a two-unit qualification, usually delivered over 2 days. The course is designed for candidates on the OFSTED compulsory register, working in early years setting such as Nurseries and Montessori Schools. The course learning outcomes empower the learner with the skills and knowledge to administer serious first aid injuries and illnesses including head, neck or back injuries, poisoning, anaphylaxis, asthma and more. A detailed syllabus is available to view on the course page Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid

Can we help?

As with all potential candidates you’d be pleased to know offering accredited, regulated and tailored paediatric first aid courses in London and across the country is our expertise. For further details please call us on 020 7112 8543 or live chat function via our website to discuss your requirements.

Email: enquiries@firstaidsafety.co.uk

Statistic sources and references:

www.rospa.com/Home-Safety/Advice/Accidents-to-Children#falls

www.rospa.com/Home-Safety/Advice/Accidents-to-Children#where

www.rospa.com/Home-Safety/Advice/Accidents-to-Children#poisoning

www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2779713.stm

Office for National Statistics: Mortality Statistics; Injury and poisoning 2002: England & Wales. Series DH4 no. 27.

General Register Offices for Scotland: Annual Report of the Registrar General for Scotland 2002.

General Register Office (Northern Ireland): Registrar General Annual Report 2002: Section 6- Causes of death.

CONSUMER SAFETY UNIT. 24th Annual Report, Home Accident Surveillance System. London: Department of Trade and Industry, 2002.

CONSUMER SAFETY UNIT. 24th Annual Report, Home Accident Surveillance System. London: Department of Trade and Industry, 2002.

CONSUMER SAFETY UNIT. 24th Annual Report, Home Accident Surveillance System. London: Department of Trade and Industry, 2002.