INTRODUCTION OF COURSE

The Paediatric First Aid Refresher course is designed for individuals who need to renew their existing Paediatric First Aid qualification to continue providing safe and effective emergency care to babies and children. This refresher updates essential knowledge and practical skills so that first aiders remain confident, competent, and compliant with current guidelines. The course focuses on common childhood emergencies and the correct procedures to follow, helping to protect the health and safety of young people in care settings.

TRAINING COURSE CONTENT

This Paediatric First Aid Refresher course covers all key areas required for renewing paediatric first aid certification:

✅ The role and responsibilities of a paediatric first aider

Learners will review the duties of a paediatric first aider, including assessing incidents, ensuring the safety of the environment, gaining consent, and providing reassurance to children and carers.

✅ Assessing an emergency situation

This section covers the primary survey for children and infants (DRABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation), how to assess the scene, prioritise care, and call for appropriate help.

✅ Managing an unresponsive child or infant

Learners will refresh their knowledge of how to place an unresponsive breathing child or infant in the recovery position and how to deliver CPR to infants (under 1 year) and children (1 year to puberty). This includes safe use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

✅ Dealing with choking

This part explains how to recognise choking in infants and children and the correct techniques for clearing partial or complete airway obstruction safely and effectively.

✅ Controlling bleeding and treating shock

This section revisits how to manage external bleeding using appropriate dressings and bandages and how to recognise and treat shock in paediatric casualties.

✅ Minor injuries and common childhood incidents

Learners will review how to provide first aid for minor injuries such as cuts, grazes, bumps, nosebleeds, minor burns, and insect stings. This part also covers safe treatment of splinters.

✅ Medical conditions and emergencies in children

The course will cover the signs, symptoms, and appropriate first aid responses for:

• Seizures (including febrile convulsions)

• Asthma attacks

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

• Meningitis

• Diabetic emergencies

✅ Accident reporting and record keeping

Learners will refresh their understanding of how to document incidents factually and accurately, following organisational policies and legal requirements, and how to report concerns appropriately.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, learners will:

• Understand the responsibilities of a paediatric first aider

• Be able to assess emergencies involving infants and children

• Demonstrate correct CPR techniques and use of an AED on children and infants

• Recognise and respond to choking, bleeding, and shock

• Provide appropriate first aid for minor injuries and common medical emergencies

• Understand the importance of accurate record keeping and reporting

TRAINING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question: When should you perform CPR on a child?

Answer: When the child is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

Question: What is the first step when approaching an emergency involving a child?

Answer: Assess the scene for danger and ensure it is safe to approach.

Question: Name two conditions where urgent medical help is required in children.

Answer: Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and meningitis.

Question: Why is it important to keep records of paediatric first aid incidents?

Answer: To provide a legal record, support continuity of care, and meet organisational and regulatory requirements.