First Aid Essentials – Paediatric First Aid

A PHECC-recognised one-day course for anyone caring for infants and children.

First Aid Essentials – Paediatric First Aid is a one-day (6.5 hours) course developed to the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) standard STN043. It equips you with the practical skills and knowledge to respond confidently to a suddenly ill or injured child until the emergency services arrive.

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The course combines a core module of Cardiac First Response – Community (CFR-C) with paediatric-focused first aid training, so you leave able to manage everything from choking and bleeding to febrile convulsions and cardiac arrest. All treatment is taught in line with PHECC Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs).

Who Should Attend

There are no formal entry requirements and no minimum age, though participants should be mature enough to understand the skills and implications of defibrillation and to complete the assessment. The course is ideal for:

Early years and childcare practitioners

Childminders, au pairs and nannies

Parents, guardians and grandparents

Teachers, SNAs and school staff

Sports coaches and youth-group leaders

Anyone with a general interest in paediatric first aid

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course you will be able to:

Introduction to First Aid

Understand the first aider's role, scene safety, effective communication, consent and capacity, relevant legislation (including the Good Samaritan provision), recognising signs of abuse or neglect, and managing your own wellbeing and critical incident stress.

Patient Assessment

Perform primary and secondary surveys, assess vital signs (work of breathing, circulation/capillary refill, skin colour and temperature, and level of consciousness using AVPU), take a patient history using SAMPLE, and identify risk factors for spinal injury.

Injury Management

Manage bleeding, nosebleeds, dental trauma, musculoskeletal injuries, head and suspected spinal injuries, and burns.

Common Medical Emergencies

Recognise and respond to diabetic emergencies, asthma, febrile convulsions, poisoning, anaphylaxis, sepsis, fainting, meningitis, and altered levels of consciousness.

Course Content

Cardiac First Response – Community (mandatory core module) CPR and use of an AED, and management of choking and other life-threatening emergencies.
Introduction to first aid The continuum of care, scene safety, communication, consent, legal considerations, recognising abuse or neglect, and responder wellbeing.
Patient assessment Primary and secondary surveys, vital signs, AVPU, SAMPLE history, and spinal-injury risk factors.
Injury management Serious and external bleeding, nosebleeds, dental trauma, musculoskeletal and limb injuries, head and spinal injuries, and burns – including hands-on practice controlling blood loss, immobilising limbs, treating burns and managing head injuries.
Common medical emergencies Diabetic emergencies, asthma, febrile convulsions, poisons, anaphylaxis, sepsis, fainting and meningitis, plus managing a patient with an altered level of consciousness.

Duration

A minimum of 6.5 contact hours, typically delivered in one day.

Class size

The instructor-to-student ratio does not exceed 1:8 for practical skills sessions, ensuring plenty of hands-on time.

Teaching approach

A balance of presentations, small-group work, demonstrations, practical practice and self-directed learning. Electronic and blended learning approaches may be used.

Assessment

Skills are formally assessed throughout or at the end of the course using the PHECC CFR Community and First Aid Essentials skills assessment sheets. Assessment is continuous and practical rather than exam-based, and supportive remediation is available where needed.

Certification

Successful participants receive a joint PHECC / recognised-institution electronic certificate titled First Aid Essentials – Paediatric First Aid, valid for two years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the course?

It runs for a minimum of 6.5 contact hours, usually completed in a single day.

Is there a minimum age or entry requirement?

No. There is no minimum age or formal prerequisite, but participants should be mature enough to understand the skills involved (including defibrillation) and to complete the assessment.

What certificate do I receive and how long is it valid?

A joint PHECC / recognised-institution electronic certificate for First Aid Essentials – Paediatric First Aid, valid for two years.

Does the course include CPR and AED training?

Yes. Cardiac First Response – Community is a mandatory core module covering CPR, AED use and choking.

Is there a written exam?

No. Assessment is practical and continuous, carried out using PHECC skills assessment sheets throughout the day.

I already hold a CFR Community certificate – do I still complete that part?

Recognition of prior learning may apply, but because CFR skills fade over time it is recommended you take part fully in the CFR component. If you hold CFR Advanced, you must attend a separate CFR Advanced course to recertify at that level.

What happens if I don't pass a skill first time?

You will be supported with remediation in line with the training provider's assessment policy.

How do I renew my certificate?

Recertification is required every two years and is based on identifying your training needs, followed by CFR and first aid skills practice and assessment, plus any clinical updates. If your certificate has lapsed, providers may allow a short grace period (PHECC considers up to 30 days appropriate), decided case by case.

Can this certificate be used for anything else?

Yes. A First Aid Essentials certificate can serve as evidence of completing a CFR course for entry to certain other recognised courses, such as CFR Instructor (Community only).