The Vital Importance of Paediatric First Aid Training in Schools

Unlike standard first aid, emergency treatment for children and infants is tailored to address the unique physiological and emotional needs of younger patients. First Response First Aid (FRFA) offers comprehensive, paediatric first aid courses. They are designed to equip school staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively to a wide range of crises.

FRFA ensures that educators are not only compliant with regulations, but also confident in their ability to protect the children in their care. This article explores the facts you need to know, the learning you and your teams can access, and why this kind of training is vital in modern schools.

The Importance of Paediatric First Aid Training

The data on the current state of readiness is fairly concerning. On average, approximately 400,000 young people are injured at school every year in the UK alone. In addition, around 270 children and young students pass away in school per year due to cardiac arrest.

If that isn’t worrying enough, research by the British Red Cross revealed that only 5% of adults have the knowledge and confidence to provide first aid in emergency situations – and that’s ALL adults – not just the ones that work in education. That means an even lower percentage of adult staff in the school system would know what to do to save a pupil’s life.

By investing in paediatric first aid training, schools can ensure they are prepared to handle such situations effectively, and safeguard students from unnecessary tragedy.

Paediatric First Aid Training from FRFA

The FRFA Paediatric First Aid certificate is for those who work in a child-orientated setting. The course has been specifically designed to meet the paediatric first aid requirements in the statutory framework for the early year's foundation stage. 

This qualification provides learners with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge needed to deal with a range of paediatric first aid situations, illnesses, injuries and emergencies that can arise when looking after children.

Our paediatric first aid course covers a comprehensive range of topics, including:

• Assessing emergency situations
• How to help an Infant or child who is unresponsive  
• How to help a child who is bleeding
• Management of choking incidents
• Common Paediatric Emergencies
• Respiratory issues (asthma, croup, bronchiolitis)
• Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
• Seizures and febrile convulsions
• Choking
• Managing a foreign body in eyes, ears and nose
• Injury management
• Treatment of cuts, grazes, and minor wounds
• Burns and scalds care
• Fracture and sprain management
• Head injury and concussion protocols

The course also covers the role and responsibilities of the paediatric first aider, including the appropriate contents of a first aid box, and the need for recording accidents and incidents. Basic training in the safe use of Adrenaline Auto-Injectors is also included as standard.

As solutions go, this is a great way to cover all the bases you need to ensure that children in your school or nursery have the help they need when the unexpected occurs.

The First Response First Aid Difference

Our paediatric first aid course stands out due to several key factors:

• Expert trainers: Our trainers are experienced professionals with backgrounds in emergency response and childcare
• Practical Focus: We emphasise hands-on practice with realistic scenarios and age-appropriate mannequins
• Up-to-date Curriculum: Our course content is regularly reviewed to align with the latest medical guidelines and best practices
• Tailored Approach: We offer bespoke training options to meet the specific needs of different educational settings
• Ongoing Support: Participants receive access to refresher materials and access to our team for post-course queries

With us, you don’t just get a training provider. You get a proactive partner, working with you to ensure your school’s specific needs are met, and that you have all the support you need.

The Benefits of Paediatric First Aid Training for Schools

With the statistics detailed earlier in mind, the benefits of investing in paediatric first aid training are clear. You are ensuring you have measures in place to help a child in a health crisis. That said, there are a number of upsides, including:

• Enhanced Safety Awareness: Staff learn to identify potential hazards and implement preventive measures, enabling you to get out ahead of incidents before they happen
• Prompt Response: In emergencies, trained staff can provide immediate assistance before professional medical help arrives
• Increased Confidence: Hands-on training builds staff confidence in handling critical situations
• Risk Reduction: Understanding common risks helps in creating safer school environments
• Specialised Care: Teachers and staff gain insight into the unique medical needs of children at different developmental stages
• Early Intervention: Training helps in recognising early warning signs of common childhood emergencies and conditions
• Legal Compliance: Ensures schools meet regulatory requirements for first aid provision
• Professional Development: Enhances staff qualifications and demonstrates commitment to child safety

As you can see, the benefits demonstrate a clear return on your investment, providing excellent value for your school or nursery.

Implementing Paediatric First Aid in Schools

• Regular Training Schedule: Establish a rotating schedule to ensure all staff receive up-to-date training
• Emergency Response Plans: Develop and regularly review school-wide emergency procedures.
• Equipment Checks: Maintain well-stocked, accessible first aid kits throughout the school premises
• Drill Practices: Conduct periodic emergency drills to reinforce training and identify areas for improvement
• Policy Integration: Incorporate paediatric first aid protocols into school health and safety policies