The Importance of Paediatric First Aid for #NationalChildrensDay

The 14^th of May marks National Children’s Day. A day where all the little ones in our lives are paid tribute to, even more than they already are, on a daily basis. 

Keeping a child safe is at the top of every parent's priority list and one way they can ensure they’re doing this effectively is knowing the key skills to paediatric first aid.

But wait, what does paediatric first aid include and how does it differ from just normal first aid? Well, that’s what we’re here to talk about today.

The Difference between First Aid and Paediatric First Aid

Both first aid and paediatric first aid courses will effectively equip you with the skills you need to know what to do in various emergency situations. Some of these situations may include:

• What  to do if someone is choking
• What to do if someone is unresponsive
• What to do if your baby has stopped breathing
• What to do if someone has a seizure
• How to place someone in the recovery position

The main difference between first aid and paediatric first aid is the treatment techniques rescuers use; however the goal is the same - to help preserve and potentially save a life. The Resuscitation Council UK state that the modifications to CPR which include reducing the compression to breath ratio to 15:2 should be taught to those who care for children but are unlikely to have to resuscitate them. The sequence incorporating the 15:2 ratio is primarily intended for those who have the potential to resuscitate children as part of their role.

If an infant (aged under 1) was unresponsive and not breathing, similarly to an adult and child, CPR would need to be administered. Firstly, lay them on a flat surface, tilt the head back to open the airway and deliver a rescue breath. On a baby you need to make a seal around the nose and mouth and then deliver the breath. This should last about a second and should be done five times.

After the initial five rescue breaths, chest compressions need to be delivered. You should do this by using two fingers in the centre of the chest and push down about a third of the chest depth. You should give 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. After the 30 chest compressions, you should then deliver 2 rescue breaths and continue the treatment until the EMS arrives.

Administering CPR to a child - aged between 1 to puberty - is very similar, however at the beginning, if there is someone there to assist you, ask them to bring you a defibrillator – if there is one available. If not, five rescue breaths followed by 30 chest compressions and then 2 rescue breaths before calling for help would be required.

Similarly to adult CPR, child CPR requires the heel of your hand to be placed in the centre of the chest to deliver chest compressions, however it is advised that just one hand is used with the fingers lifted to ensure pressure is not applied over the child’s ribs.

How Can I get my Qualification in Paediatric First Aid?

There is one simple way people can learn the differences and required skills to be qualified in paediatric first aid, this is by attending a training course!

There are a variety of ways you can achieve a paediatric first aid qualification with imperative training; one of the main ways being by booking one our courses which cover the course content over two days for a group or team of 12 people or less; this qualification last for 3 years.

A new addition for imperative training is the paediatric first aid blended courses. This combines online theory with a practical lesson, allowing you to gain your qualification more flexibly. Another flexible way to gain your skills would be through one of our open courses which allows you to choose a time, location and date that suits you.

Celebrate the Kids!

Share with us on our Twitter and Facebook pages what you did to celebrate the little ones in your life this National Children’s Day and if you’re one step ahead and are already qualified in paediatric first aid let us know what inspired you to get this qualification!