Paediatric first aid training is the specialised knowledge and techniques for emergency medical care for infants, toddlers, and children. This type of training involves responding to common childhood trauma, illnesses, and injuries such as choking, burns, cuts, fractures, and poisoning.
It also covers life-saving measures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and recognising and responding to allergic reactions and seizures.
Paediatric first aid aims to provide immediate and effective care to children in need until professional medical help arrives. It is essential for new parents, caregivers, and anyone who works with kids to have a basic understanding of paediatric first-aid techniques and be prepared to act in an emergency.
Who Should Undergo Training For Paediatric First Aid?
When it comes to paediatric first aid, it’s not just for doctors and nurses! Everyone who interacts with children should consider undergoing training in paediatric first aid; it could save your child’s life! Parents, grandparents, babysitters, teachers, coaches, and even older siblings can all benefit from learning how to handle an emergency involving a child.
After all, accidents can happen anytime and anywhere, whether at home, in the park, or at school. By taking a first aid class in paediatric first aid, you’ll feel more confident and prepared to handle common childhood injuries, illnesses, accidents and other emergencies. Plus, you’ll be a hero in the eyes of the little ones you care for, knowing you can help them when they need it the most.
Paediatric First Aid Vs Workplace First Aid
Paediatric first aid training and workplace training share some similarities, such as the goal of providing emergency medical care. However, there are significant differences between the two. Paediatric training is a specialised type that focuses on providing emergency care to children, from infants to teenagers.
It covers topics such as recognising and responding to common childhood illnesses and injuries, performing CPR and using an AED on a child, and managing allergic reactions and seizures. On the other hand, workplace training is designed to provide emergency medical care to adults in a workplace setting.
It covers topics such as dealing with burns, cuts, and fractures and responding to illnesses and injuries common in an occupational setting. While there may be some overlap in the essential skills required for paediatric and workplace training, it’s important to recognise the unique challenges and considerations when dealing with children in an emergency situation.
What Items Should Be Included In A Paediatric First Aid Kit?
A well-stocked pediatric kit is essential if you’re a parent, caregiver, or working with children. But what exactly should be included in it?
Here are some must-have items in pediatric first aid kits: adhesive bandages in various sizes, gauze pads, medical tape, scissors, tweezers, instant cold packs, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, disposable gloves, a thermometer, and manual specific to pediatric care. Depending on your child’s medical history or special needs, you may need to include additional items such as medication or an epinephrine auto-injector.
Regularly check your first aid bag for expired items and replace them. A well-stocked and up-to-date pediatric first aid kit can give you peace of mind and prepare you to handle any unexpected medical situations involving children.
What Actions Should Be Taken When A Child Is Unresponsive And Not Breathing?
If a child is unresponsive and not breathing, immediate action is crucial. Follow these steps to provide aid to the child:
- Check for responsiveness: Shake the child gently and call out their name. If there is no response, shout for help and call emergency services.
- Open the airway: Tilt the child’s head and lift their chin to open it.
- Check for breathing: Look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than ten seconds. If the child is not breathing, start CPR.
- Perform CPR by following these CPR instructions: Give 30 chest compressions at 100-120 per minute. Place your mouth over the child’s mouth and nose and give two rescue breaths. Repeat this cycle of compressions and breaths until emergency help arrives.
It’s important to note that the steps for providing pediatric CPR may differ slightly depending on the child’s age and your training level. That’s why pediatric first aid and CPR training is recommended to ensure you’re ready to handle emergencies involving children.
When Should CPR Be Stopped?
CPR should only be stopped when one of the following situations occurs:
- Help arrives: If emergency medical services or trained medical personnel arrive, they will take over the resuscitation efforts.
- Signs of life return: If the person starts breathing independently or shows signs of circulation, such as coughing or movement, stop CPR and monitor their condition until help arrives.
- You are physically exhausted: If you are performing CPR alone and become physically exhausted, it’s better to stop and wait for emergency medical services to take over.
- A doctor declares the person dead: CPR can be stopped if a medical professional declare the person dead.
It’s important to note that CPR should not be stopped too early. Only trained medical personnel or a doctor can determine if further resuscitation efforts are necessary or if the person is beyond help.
How To Provide First Aid For Head Injuries In Children?
Head injuries in children can range from minor bumps and bruises to more serious ones requiring immediate medical attention. Here are some general guidelines for providing first aid for head injuries in children:
Assess the situation: Check the child’s level of consciousness, breathing, and any other signs of injury. Call emergency services if necessary.
Control bleeding: Apply gentle pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or sterile gauze. If the bleeding is severe, apply more pressure and seek medical attention immediately.
Ice the injury: Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel to the affected area to help reduce swelling and pain.
Monitor the child: Observe the child closely for any changes in their condition, including changes in consciousness, vomiting, or seizures.
Seek medical attention: If the child shows signs of a concussion, such as loss of consciousness, confusion, or persistent headache, seek medical attention immediately.
It’s important to remember that head injuries can be serious and may require medical attention beyond basic first aid. If you’re unsure about the severity of the injury, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention.
Where Can I Find A Good Paediatric Or Baby First Aid Course?
When choosing a course, ensure it covers the specific topics you’re interested in and is taught by qualified instructors. It’s also a good idea to read reviews from other participants to understand their experience with the course.
First Aid Courses And First Aid Training
At First Aid Pro Perth, we provide a comprehensive paediatric first aid course designed to equip parents, grandparents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to respond to emergencies involving kids, including basic life support. We teach you everything from child CPR to choking, bleeding control, and injury prevention.
First Aid Pro is a nationally trusted RTO (Registered Training Organisation: 40407). Organisations such as the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) back our courses.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, nanny, or healthcare professional, our courses are tailored to meet your needs and provide you with the confidence and skills needed to handle emergency situations. Contact us today to learn more about our first aid courses and get involved in how we can help you better prepare for emergencies involving kids.
Epilepsy And Sleep
If you’re a caregiver of a child with epilepsy, it’s important to be prepared for potential seizures, especially during sleep. Our blog at First Aid Pro provides resources and tips for managing epilepsy in children, including how to recognise the signs of a seizure and what to do in an emergency. Additionally, we discuss the importance of sleep hygiene and how to create a safe sleep environment for children with epilepsy. Check out our blog for more information on epilepsy and sleep and how to keep your child safe and healthy.
