Paediatric First Aid – What Every Parent, Carer, and Teacher Should Know

When you’re responsible for a child’s wellbeing, knowing what to do in an emergency is essential. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, childminder, or nanny, Paediatric First Aid training gives you the confidence and competence to act quickly — and potentially save a child’s life.

At Essex First Aid & Wellbeing (EFAW), we deliver Ofsted-compliant Paediatric First Aid courses that are practical, engaging, and fully accredited. In this blog, we explore what Paediatric First Aid involves, who needs it, and how it can make a life-changing difference.

Why Paediatric First Aid Is Different

Children aren’t just small adults — their physical development, anatomy, and emotional needs make First Aid for children a unique skill set. Their smaller airways, more fragile bones, and higher likelihood of accidents mean a tailored approach is needed.

Additionally, children may struggle to explain symptoms, making it critical that carers can recognise signs and respond appropriately.

Who Needs Paediatric First Aid?

You’re legally required to hold a Paediatric First Aid certificate if you work in:

• Registered childcare settings (Ofsted)

• Nurseries and pre-schools

• Primary schools (especially in EYFS classes)

• Holiday and after-school clubs

• Childminding or nanny services

But training is just as valuable for:

• New and expectant parents

• Grandparents and guardians

• Babysitters and au pairs

• Foster carers and adoption services

• Sports or drama coaches working with under-8s

Why It Matters: Real-Life Examples

1. Choking Hazard at Nursery:A toddler choked on a piece of apple during snack time. A staff member trained by EFAW recognised the silent signs of choking, responded with back blows and cleared the obstruction before emergency services arrived.

2. Allergic Reaction on a School Trip:A student with a known nut allergy accidentally consumed food with traces of peanuts. The teacher, trained in EpiPen use, administered the device, kept the child calm, and contacted emergency services — preventing a potentially fatal situation.

3. Febrile Seizure at Home:A parent attending our weekend course spotted a febrile seizure in their infant and applied the correct First Aid until paramedics arrived. The child recovered fully, but the parent credits the training for knowing exactly what to do under pressure.

You Don’t Have to Be a Medical Expert to Save a Child’s Life

All it takes is the right training — and a willingness to act.

At Essex First Aid & Wellbeing, we’ve helped hundreds of parents, teachers, and childcare workers gain the confidence and skills to step in during a crisis. Whether you're caring for one child or thirty, Paediatric First Aid is one of the most important tools you can have.