Food Hygiene
Health & Safety
Safeguarding
First Aid
Business Skills
Personal Development
Summary
This Paediatric First Aid guide highlights the essential knowledge required to assist children during emergencies. It covers vital concepts like the DRABC primary survey (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation) and the steps for performing CPR. The article stresses the importance of paediatric 1st aid training for various professionals and caregivers, such as nurses, babysitters, and school staff. The training ensures the well-being of children by providing the necessary skills to handle urgent situations effectively. Learn more on their website.
Table of Contents
Children are more susceptible to injury in their growing age as they are curious to figure out everything on their own. Thus, having basic knowledge of paediatric first aid for the wellness of the child and infant is crucial. When someone is injured, receiving immediate treatment or assistance is crucial. And that is the fundamental concept of paediatric first aid.
Consequently, preserving life and ensuring that the casualty is not in any mortal danger is the aim of paediatric first aid. This article will give you a rundown of various injuries that a child might get into and what sort of paediatric first aid you can provide to them.
What is Paediatric First Aid?
Paediatric First Aid is important for everyone who cares for children. It teaches how to act in emergencies, from cuts to serious accidents. Knowing what to do can save lives and reduce harm.
A Paediatric 1st Aid course covers how to help children in urgent situations. It includes simple steps to manage common issues, like choking or burns. You’ll learn what to do until medical help arrives.
In the UK, many people take Paediatric First Aid to feel prepared. Parents, teachers, and caregivers can all benefit. This training helps ensure that children are cared for in emergencies.
Every large institution must appoint a responsible person to be in charge of first-aid arrangements.
Which Institutions Should Have a Paediatric First Aider on Board?
The UK First Aid Regulations strictly emphasises having trained staff on first aid.
You need to have appropriate paediatric first aid training if you are working in any of the following organizations,
- Paediatric nurses
- Sports club staff
- Babysitters
- Play and activity centre job
- Preschool, nursery and school staff
- Childminders
- Parents or families of children and infants
Moreover, it is a crucial requirement for all newly qualified childcarers to have paediatric first aid training. The department of Education guidance makes it compulsory for all nursery and preschool staff.
Paediatric First Aid Primary Survey
For the initial assessment and management of a trauma patient, you have to conduct a primary survey. It helps find out and treat life-threatening conditions on a priority basis. Hence, the primary survey is the fast and systematic way to achieve maximum benefits from first aid.
The acronym DRABC assists in performing a primary survey.
- Danger
- Response
- Airway
- Breathing
- Circulation
Danger
The first step in providing first aid is to make sure you are safe and not putting yourself at risk. And you also have to make sure there are no casualties or bystanders before you start your first aid treatment.
Response
Before proceeding further, make sure the toddler or child is conscious or not. You have to gently tap or flick the sole of the foot of the baby. If there is no response, then the child is in an unresponsive state. And you have to get started on paediatric first aid right away.
Airway
The next step in the survey is to identify and treat any life-threatening airway obstruction. Gently place your hand on the forehead of the child if they are unconscious. Next, you have to tilt their head back and slightly prop up their chin with your other hand. And it will ensure the airway is open and clear.
Breathing
If there is any life-threatening problem in breathing, you have to identify and treat it right away. It is the 4th of DRABC principles in paediatric 1st aid. First, you have to listen and look carefully for any signs in the first 10 seconds. Then, prepare yourself to perform CPR if the child is not breathing normally.
If the condition does not improve, call for emergency assistance on 911. Consequently, ask any bystanders to arrange a defibrillator if possible.
Circulation
If you identify any circulation problem that can be life-threatening, treat it immediately. The primary survey is complete when you finish examining the circulation.
Start CPR right away if the child or toddler is still unresponsive.
Interested in learning more about paediatric first aid? Join our paediatric first aid training course today. The course will teach you all the basics of first aid knowledge in case of an emergency. Furthermore, the accredited course is here to help you learn how to interact with distressed young casualties in pain and keep them calm.
How to Perform CPR on Children?
The full form of CPR is cardiopulmonary resuscitation. When a person’s breathing or heart beating stops, CPR is performed as an emergency lifesaving procedure. CPR is an integral part of providing effective paediatric first aid. It combines chest compressions and rescue breathing.
Much emphasis has been put on following the proper techniques of CPR. And you should always perform compression on the lower half of the sternum. Consequently, make sure the toddler or the baby is lying on a flat surface. Because CPR can not be performed in a seated position.
To perform CPR on infants, use the two finger techniques or the two thumbs encircling hands techniques. Moreover, you can use the heel of one hand if the first two techniques are inapplicable. However, using two fingers technique as a single rescuer permits an easier transition from compression to ventilation. And you can easily maintain the head-tilt manoeuvre during compressions. Use your index and middle finger for two finger techniques and place them on the sternum.
Consequently, place a hand or rolled towel beneath the upper thorax and shoulders of the infant or child. It slightly extends the neck and ensures that the targeted compression is reaching the heart. Subsequently, for children, you can perform the compression in the lower half of the sternum using both hands.
For your convenience, we are breaking down the details of performing CPR into the following steps,
Chest Compression Procedure
After pressing down on the child’s chest for two inches or five centimetres, you should pause. You should at least complete 30 chest compressions in this method.
Perform Artificial Breathing
After you have completed 30 chest compressions, tilt the head of the infant and lift their chin to horizontal position. Now provide 5 rescue breaths to re-oxygenate the baby. Make sure to seal your mouth around the baby’s mouth and nose to blow into them. Make sure the chest of the baby is starting to rise. The rise of the chest hints at the airway being opened sufficiently.
Consequently, once the chest is settled, you have to complete another rescue breath. Sometimes, the baby might gurgle vomit when you breathe into them. In that case, briefly turn them onto their side and empty the vomit from their mouth.
Continue Compression & Artificial Breathing
Continuing the CPR until the EMS arrives is a crucial aspect of paediatric first aid. After completion of each set of 30 compressions, make sure to give 2 short and sharp breaths each time. Consequently, keep continuing with the compression soon after performing artificial breathing.
Before you phone for an ambulance, 1 minute of CPR is crucial. It can help in the early recovery of the patient. CPR is a very simple and straightforward procedure. It all comes down to two important steps; modelling the function of the heart and the lungs through compression and artificial breathing.
Importance of CPR in Paediatric 1st Aid
To survive, every human being needs a constant supply of oxygen. Consequently, brain cells start to die within 3-4 minutes due to oxygen starvation. The procedure of CPR ensures that oxygen is carried into the blood. And consequently, blood carries oxygen into the brain. Thus, performing CPR increases the chances of survival.
In CPR, we have the lifesaving combination of rescue breaths and chest compressions. However, there are some modifications to performing CPR on an infant, as we have discussed. The bones of infants are delicate, so great care should be taken while performing CPR.
Items to Keep in a Paediatric 1st Aid Kit
Often, we get confused about what items we need to put into the paediatric first aid kit. While there is no legal requirement, there are some basic items every first aid kit should have.
The list of items include,
- Different kinds of bandages
- Sterile gauzes, roller gauzes & eye patch
- Triangular bandages
- Wet Wipes
- Saline solution
- Antibiotic ointment
- Elastic band-aids
- Trauma shears
- Gloves/ Eye protection
- CPR pocket mask
- Clasps and safety pins
- Tourniquets
- Scissors and tweezers
- Syringe & irrigation cap
- Benzoin tincture
- Steri strips
- Adhesive tape and bandages
- Opposite Flexi grip film
- Biodegradable soap
Consequently, the nature of the workplace also determines the content of a first aid box.
Paediatric First Aid for Head Injuries
Toddlers and infants are prone to getting minor head bumps while growing up. It can happen even under strict supervision. However, in case of a severe head injury, a professional doctor should be consulted right away.
You can determine the severity of head injury through the following symptoms.
- The child loses consciousness and feels confused about their surroundings.
- They might have trouble thinking or concentrating. Also, they might show behaviour or personality changes.
- The child appears stunned when faced with a question and answers in a slow manner. Consequently, they might keep repeating the questions.
- The child might have difficulty remembering things and organising themselves.
- They might feel irritable, sad and face difficulties in sleeping.
- Nausea, vomiting, blurry visions, and problems maintaining balance are some other symptoms to keep a lookout for.
Controlling any bleeding and wrapping an icepack in the injured area are primary steps in paediatric 1st aid for a head injury. If the child remains conscious, keep them under observation for the next 24 hours. It will help you in identifying any worrying signs. Consequently, if the child is unable to walk and cries continuously, call 999 for emergency help.
Paediatric 1st Aid for Burns & Bleeding
Burns and bleeding are particularly severe for toddlers and infants. Burn damages for toddlers tend to be severe because they have a smaller body surface. So, often a large portion of their skin can get damaged. Consequently, the skin of a baby is 15 times thinner than that of an adult. Thus, the severity of pain and damage is more intense.
In case of burns, following paediatric first aid is required,
- Do not take clothes off if it is stuck to skin or the skin has blisters.
- Apply water for at least 10 minutes in the affected area. However, keep other parts of the body of the child covered and warm so that they don’t go into shock.
- If a large area is affected, phone an ambulance immediately.
- Do not ever touch the burnt area, and do not apply any lotion or fat onto it.
- Make sure you do not apply tight dressing or tapes without getting the burn assessed by a medical professional.
Consequently, babies only tend to have about a pint of blood in their bodies. And that’s why losing even a small amount of blood can be risky for them. You can take the following primary steps of paediatric 1st aid in case of bleeding.
- To prevent the baby from fainting or going into shock, lie them down
- To slow down the bleeding, elevate the bleeding area above the heart
- You can apply direct pressure on the wound. And it will stop the blood from coming out.
If the baby starts looking pale and cold, you need to get emergency help right away.
Conclusion
Paediatric first aid is crucial in the first moments after an injury. When you act quickly, you can help prevent the condition from getting worse and improve the chances of a full recovery. Early intervention can truly make a difference. By learning the right steps, you’re ready to respond confidently in an emergency. A Level 3 Paediatric First Aid course provides the essential skills needed to handle these situations effectively. These courses are available throughout the UK, including the Pediatric First Aid Course London. With proper training, you can take action when it matters most, potentially saving lives. Paediatric first aid training not only gives you the skills to help but also provides reassurance for anyone caring for young children.
FAQ
Pediatric first aid is the immediate care provided to an infant or child when they’re injured or become ill. It involves quick and appropriate actions to help stabilize the child while waiting for professional medical assistance, if needed. The goal is to minimize the impact of the injury or illness and ensure the child’s safety and well-being until further help arrives.
You can get a pediatric first aid certificate by completing our online pediatric first aid course. Once you finish the course, you’ll receive a CPD Accredited certificate, which shows you’ve gained the skills and knowledge needed to handle emergencies with children.
Pediatric first aid covers children from infancy up to 16 years old. While the course focuses mainly on children aged 5 and under, it provides valuable information and skills for handling emergencies with infants and children of all ages, up to 16.
Our pediatric first aid course takes 3 hours and 49 minutes to complete. It’s fully online, interactive, and includes a professional voice-over. You can learn at your own pace, anytime that works for you. The course is easy to access on any device, like a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. You can start and stop as needed, making it flexible to fit your schedule.
Our courses are conducted online, and you can access them using any internet-connected smart device.
Course Curriculum
The detailed curriculum outline of our Construction Site Supervisor Training Course is as follows:
- Introduction
- Market Size and Its Importance
- Features of the Construction Industry
- Productivity and Labour Quality
- The Role of the Construction Supervisor
- Summary
- Assessment
- Project Phases
- Construction Stages
o Initial phase
o Planning and Design phase
o Execution and Control phase
o Completion Phase
- Project Life Cycle
- Integrating Construction
- Project Management
- Programme and Portfolio Management
- Ethical Project Leadership
- Project Complexity
- Project Management Maturity Models
- Summary
- Assessment
- Building Types
- Zoning and Other Factors
- Environmental Impact Study (EIS)
- Location and Site Selection Criteria
- Structure of Rock
- Construction at Rock Sites
- Engineering Geology
- Flood Plains and Flood Protection
- Factors Affecting Site Exploration
- Summary
- Assessment
- Introduction to Site Layout Planning
- Elements of Site Layout Planning
- Temporary Facilities Characteristics
- Temporary Facility Identification and Sizing
- Summary
- Assessment
- Site Boundaries
- Access Roads
- Design Planning and Locating Access Roads
- Provision of Services
- Water Services
- Electricity
- Accommodation for Staffs
- Disposal of Waste
- Site Logistics
- Hoardings
- Site Security
- Summary
- Assessment
- Equipment Productivity
- Considerations for Equipment Productivity
- Product Features and Attachments
- Equipment Suppliers, Cost and Planning
- Selecting and Matching Construction Equipment
- Systematic Plant Selection
- The Essential Characteristics of a Decision Situation
- Setting Hire Rates
- Advantages & Disadvantages of Purchasing Equipment
- Costs of Equipment
- Acquisition of Plant and Equipment
- The Financing of Equipment
- Plant & Corrective Maintenance
- Monitoring of Maintenance Servicing and Exhaust Emissions
- The Necessity of Maintenance Management
- Principal Aspects and Methods of Maintenance
- Equipment Servicing and Servicing Facilities
- Field Repairs and Maintenance Facilities
- Lubrication Requirements of Construction Equipment
- Summary
- Assessment
- Types of Materials
- Purchase of Materials and Equipment
- Planning and Control of Materials
- Stores and Inventory Control
- Importance of Material Management
- Issues Confronting Material Management
- Quality Specification
- Centralised versus Decentralised Purchasing
- Issues Relating to Storage and Material Handling Optimum level of inventory
- Receiving Inspection Record Keeping
- Material Handling and Equipment
- Material Management in Construction
- Summary
- Assessment
- Stages of Stock Control
- Problems of Excessive Stock
- The Storage Function
- Receiving
- Inspection
- Storage and Location
- Issuing
- Stock Control
- Just-In-Time Deliveries (JIT)
- Communications
- Summary
- Assessment
- Risk and Value Imperatives
- Approaches to Risk and Value Management
- Integrating Risk and Value
- Sustainable Value and The Whole Life Cycle
- The Process of Value Management
- Definition and Evaluation of Risk
- The Risk Management Process
- Risk Attitude
- Risk Response and Management
- Risk Management Techniques
- Summary
- Assessment
- Communications On-Site
- Daily Logs, Reports and Construction Diary
- Meetings
- Photographs and Videos On-Site
- Information and Communications Technologies
- Building Information Modelling
- Electronic Business and Project Administration
- Importance of Communications, Information and Documentation
- Summary
- Assessment
- Legal Obligations
- Financial Costs of an Accident
- Moral Obligations & Self-Preservation
- The Impact of an Accident On Others
- Important Rules and Regulations for the Construction Industry
- Health and Safety File
- Welfare Requirements
- Sanitary facilities
- Washing Facilities
- Drinking-Water
- Changing Facilities
- Rest Rooms
- Managing Safety Within the Construction Industry
- Summary
- Assessment
