When you work with children, first aid is not just a qualification – it is a responsibility. Whether you are part of an early years setting, school, childminding environment, wraparound care, or any role where children are in your care, the ability to recognise illness, act quickly, and respond calmly can make a life-changing difference.

At First Aid and Safety Training, our Blended Paediatric First Aid courses are designed to give learners both strong theoretical knowledge and real-world practical confidence. The course is fully EYFS and HSE compliant, ensuring it meets legal and regulatory requirements while remaining practical, engaging, and relevant to everyday childcare environments.

Why Paediatric First Aid Is So Important

Children are not small adults. Their bodies respond differently to illness and injury, and emergencies can escalate very quickly. In many real-life incidents involving children, outcomes are determined not by equipment or environment, but by how quickly a responsible adult recognises a problem and takes action.

We regularly hear examples from learners who have:

Had to manage a child with breathing difficulties while waiting for emergency services
Dealt with severe allergic reactions during meal or snack times
Supported children following head injuries, falls, or seizures
Faced the fear of not knowing what to do in a critical moment

Paediatric first aid training provides the knowledge and confidence to step in, stay calm, and act, rather than freeze through fear of doing the wrong thing.

The Blended Learning Approach

Our blended paediatric first aid course is split into two clear parts:

Online learning – covering essential knowledge and theory
Day 2 practical training – focused on hands-on skills and assessment

This approach allows learners to absorb information at their own pace before attending a practical day that focuses on doing, not just listening.

Online Learning: Building Knowledge and Understanding

The online element provides a thorough foundation in paediatric first aid principles and conditions learners are most likely to encounter when caring for children.

Key areas covered include:

Roles, Responsibilities and Safety

The role and responsibilities of a paediatric first aider
Definitions of an infant and a child
Infection control, personal protective equipment, and preventing cross-contamination
Accident and incident reporting requirements

Assessing an Emergency

Scene surveys and casualty assessment
Primary survey and knowing when and how to call for help
Understanding hypoxia, circulation issues, and shock

Childhood Illnesses and Medical Conditions

Diabetes
Asthma and respiratory conditions
Meningitis and sepsis
Seizures and febrile convulsions
Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
Poisoning

These topics are particularly important as symptoms in children can be subtle at first, and early recognition can prevent deterioration.

Injuries Common in Childcare Settings

Burns and scalds (including electrical and chemical burns)
Electric shock
Fractures, dislocations, sprains, and strains
Head, neck, and spinal injuries
Foreign bodies in the eyes, ears, and nose
Eye injuries
Extremes of heat and cold
Minor injuries such as bites, stings, cuts, grazes, bumps, bruises, splinters, and nosebleeds

Learners often comment that this section helps them understand why certain injuries must never be ignored, even when a child appears settled initially.

Day 2 Practical Training: Turning Knowledge into Action

The second day focuses on practical application, confirming understanding from the online learning and developing hands-on competence.

Practical skills include:

Infant and child CPR and safe use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Managing the unconscious infant or child (breathing and not breathing normally)
Choking emergencies
Management of seizures
External bleeding and shock
Management of life-threatening and catastrophic bleeding
Asthma emergencies
Fractures, dislocations, sprains, and strains
Head, neck, and spinal injuries

Learners practise these skills repeatedly in a supportive environment, helping to remove anxiety and build confidence. This is especially important for those who worry about “getting it wrong” under pressure.

Assessment and Compliance

To complete the qualification, learners undertake:

Two multiple choice question paper theory assessments
Ongoing practical assessment throughout the day

The course meets EYFS requirements and follows HSE guidance, making it suitable for nurseries, preschools, childminders, schools, and any role where adults are responsible for children.

More Than a Qualification

Paediatric first aid training is not just about passing an assessment. It is about:

Feeling confident to act in an emergency
Protecting children in your care
Reassuring parents and guardians
Meeting legal and professional responsibilities

Many learners leave the course saying they feel more aware, more confident, and more prepared, not just at work but in everyday life with their own families.

Choosing the Right Paediatric First Aid Training

If you work with children, paediatric first aid is essential. The blended approach ensures learners gain deep understanding, practical confidence, and a qualification that meets regulatory standards without feeling rushed or overwhelming.

We are also developing a practical guide titled:

“What First Aid Training Do I Need For My Business?”

This will help childcare providers and employers understand training requirements, compliance, and the right course options for their setting.