Paediatric First Aid Courses — Why They Matter and Who Should Take Them

Introduction

When a child is in distress, seconds matter. Whether a toddler is choking on a piece of food, an infant stops breathing, or a child collapses on a sports pitch, the response of the nearest adult in those first minutes can determine the outcome. Paediatric first aid training provides exactly that capability — the knowledge, skills, and confidence to act swiftly, correctly, and calmly when a child's life may be at risk.

Ireland has a strong and growing framework of legislation that recognises this reality. From Tusla's Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 to workplace safety requirements under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the legal system places clear obligations on organisations and individuals who work with children. Training is not merely best practice — for many professionals, it is a statutory requirement.

Yet paediatric first aid is not only for professionals. Parents, grandparents, childminders, and community volunteers all find themselves in situations where a child's welfare depends on them. This course equips anyone who cares for, works with, or is simply around children with the skills to respond effectively in an emergency. At Phoenix STS, we deliver paediatric first aid training across Ireland, combining regulatory compliance with genuinely life-saving outcomes.

What Paediatric First Aid Training Covers

Core Skills and Knowledge Areas

A comprehensive paediatric first aid course covers far more than CPR. Participants learn to assess an unresponsive child, manage an obstructed airway, control bleeding, respond to seizures, treat burns and scalds, recognise anaphylaxis, and manage a range of childhood medical emergencies. Courses also address the psychological dimension — how to remain calm and reassure a distressed child and their caregivers whilst carrying out first aid procedures.

Practical, Hands-On Learning

Effective paediatric first aid cannot be taught through theory alone. Practical skills sessions — using infant and child manikins — are central to quality delivery. Participants practise chest compressions, rescue breaths, recovery positions, and back-blow and abdominal-thrust techniques until the movements become instinctive. It is this muscle memory that allows a trained person to act correctly even under the acute stress of a real emergency.

Regulatory Alignment

Courses aligned to PHECC (Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council) standards are structured to meet the requirements of Irish regulatory bodies, including Tusla. The PHECC First Aid Responder (FAR) qualification represents the gold standard in Irish pre-hospital emergency care and is the recognised certification for childcare professionals under Tusla's inspection framework.

Irish Regulatory Requirements

Tusla — Regulation 25

Regulation 25 of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 places a direct legal obligation on registered early years providers. It requires that a person trained in first aid for children is, at all times, immediately available to the children attending the pre-school service. Services must also maintain a suitably equipped first aid box for children, stored in an accessible and conspicuous position on the premises.

Tusla's inspectorate enforces this regulation during inspections of registered pre-school services. Since November 2021, Tusla has required that at least one staff member holds a PHECC FAR qualification obtained from an approved training provider. Services found to be non-compliant with Regulation 25 face formal regulatory action. Crèches, nurseries, and Montessori schools operating without a PHECC-qualified first aider on the premises at all times are in breach of their registration conditions.

PHECC First Aid Responder (FAR)

The PHECC First Aid Responder (FAR) certification is Ireland's nationally recognised standard for occupational first aiders. It covers adult, child, and infant first aid to a comprehensive level and is specifically required in childcare settings regulated by Tusla. The FAR certificate is valid for two years, after which holders must undertake a renewal course to maintain their certification. Employers should track expiry dates carefully and plan renewal training in advance to avoid lapses in regulatory compliance.

Health and Safety Authority (HSA) Requirements

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and associated regulations, all employers in Ireland — including those operating early years services, schools, and sports facilities — have a duty to provide adequate first aid equipment and trained first aid personnel in the workplace. The number of trained first aiders required depends on the size and nature of the workplace. Where children are the primary clientele, paediatric-specific training is strongly recommended to supplement standard occupational first aid qualifications.

Sport Ireland and Governing Bodies

Many national governing bodies of sport in Ireland, operating under the framework supported by Sport Ireland, require or strongly recommend that coaches and team managers hold a recognised paediatric first aid qualification. Organisations such as the GAA, FAI, and Basketball Ireland have child protection and welfare codes that implicitly or explicitly address the capability of adults to respond to childhood medical emergencies. Always verify the current requirements of your sport's governing body.

Who Should Take Paediatric First Aid Training

Childcare Professionals

Crèche staff, nursery workers, childminders, and Montessori practitioners are among the most clearly identified beneficiaries of paediatric first aid training. Regulation 25 requires at least one trained person to be present at all times in registered early years services, making PHECC FAR certification a professional necessity rather than an optional extra. Given staff rotations and absences, many providers choose to train their entire workforce to ensure continuous compliance.

Schools and Education Staff

Teachers, special needs assistants (SNAs), school secretaries, and after-school programme coordinators work with children for extended periods each day. Schools operate under both Health and Safety obligations and duty-of-care principles that make paediatric first aid knowledge essential. Training for school staff reduces response times in emergencies, supports children with complex medical needs, and ensures that the adult-to-trained-first-aider ratio is maintained throughout the school day.

Sports Coaches and Youth Leaders

Youth sports coaches, PE instructors, swim teachers, and volunteer leaders in organisations such as Scouts Ireland and Youth Work Ireland are frequently first responders when a child is injured or collapses during activity. Physical exertion can trigger previously undetected cardiac conditions even in apparently healthy children. A coach with paediatric first aid skills can begin CPR immediately rather than waiting for an ambulance — a delay that, in the case of cardiac arrest, can prove fatal.

Parents, Grandparents, and Home Childminders

Children spend the majority of their time at home, and many of the most serious incidents — choking, falls, accidental poisoning, febrile seizures — happen in domestic settings. Parents and grandparents who have completed paediatric first aid training consistently report greater confidence in their ability to respond to emergencies. Home childminders, whether formally registered or caring for family members, benefit enormously from structured training that goes beyond basic instinct.

Healthcare Support Workers in Paediatric Settings

Healthcare assistants, patient transport staff, and community healthcare workers who support children in clinical or community settings should hold paediatric-specific first aid training to complement their professional qualifications. A paediatric first aid course reinforces emergency response protocols and ensures individuals are confident working with infant and child patients in pre-hospital scenarios.

Critical Differences — Paediatric vs Adult First Aid

Why Children Are Not Simply Small Adults

A fundamental principle of paediatric first aid is that children — and especially infants — are physiologically distinct from adults. Their airways are proportionally smaller and more easily obstructed. Their respiratory rates, heart rates, and blood volumes differ significantly from those of adults. Emergency responses that are appropriate for an adult can cause serious harm when applied to a child. This is why paediatric-specific training is essential, rather than assuming adult first aid skills translate directly.

CPR Technique Differences

Adult CPR uses 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths (30:2 ratio), with compressions delivered at a depth of 5–6 cm using both hands.

Child CPR (ages 1 to puberty) also uses a 30:2 ratio, but compressions are delivered using one or two hands (depending on the child's size) to a depth of approximately 5 cm — roughly one third of the chest depth.

Infant CPR (under 12 months) uses a 30:2 ratio with compressions delivered using two fingers on the centre of the chest to a depth of approximately 4 cm — again, one third of the chest depth.

Airway Management and Initial Response

For adults, the priority in cardiac arrest is to call the emergency services immediately and begin CPR. For children and infants, where cardiac arrest is most commonly caused by a respiratory event rather than a primary cardiac event, the guidance is to provide 2 minutes of CPR before calling 112/999 if you are alone. This reflects the importance of restoring oxygenation quickly in paediatric cases. Rescue breaths are proportionally smaller for infants — just enough to see the chest rise.

Choking Techniques

Back blows and abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre) are adapted significantly for children and infants. Abdominal thrusts are never used on infants under 12 months. Instead, back blows and chest thrusts are combined. Knowing the correct technique for the correct age group is the difference between effective intervention and causing further injury.

Common Childhood Emergencies Covered

Choking

Choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional death in Ireland and internationally, and it disproportionately affects the very young. Research indicates that 73% of choking injuries occur in children under 5 years of age, a reflection of their tendency to put objects in their mouths and their developing ability to chew food safely. Paediatric first aid training equips participants with the age-specific techniques to identify and respond to a partial or complete airway obstruction quickly and correctly.

Febrile Seizures and Epilepsy

Febrile seizures — convulsions triggered by a rapid rise in body temperature — affect approximately 3% of children between 6 months and 5 years of age and are among the most frightening events a parent or childcare worker can witness. Training covers how to protect the child during a seizure, manage the recovery position, monitor duration, and identify when to call the emergency services. Managing a child with a known diagnosis of epilepsy is also addressed, including the use of rescue medication where applicable.

Asthma Attacks

Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in Irish children. Participants learn to recognise the signs of a moderate and severe asthma attack, assist in the use of a reliever inhaler and spacer device, and understand when an attack has become a medical emergency requiring immediate activation of the emergency services. In a school or sports setting, early recognition and correct response can prevent a severe attack from becoming life-threatening.

Burns and Scalds

Burns and scalds are among the most frequent childhood injuries presenting to Irish emergency departments. Training covers the correct first aid response — running cool water over the affected area for a minimum of 20 minutes — as well as what not to do, including the avoidance of butter, ice, or other home remedies that worsen the injury. Participants learn to assess burn severity and identify when hospital treatment is required.

Severe Allergic Reactions — Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can develop within minutes of exposure to a trigger such as nuts, insect stings, or certain medications. In a childcare or school setting, the risks are particularly acute. Participants learn to recognise the signs of anaphylaxis, administer an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) — commonly known by brand names such as EpiPen or Jext — and manage the child in the recovery position while awaiting emergency services.

Unconsciousness, Head Injuries, and Bleeding

The course also covers management of an unconscious child, including placing them in the recovery position, recognising signs of a serious head injury, and applying effective pressure to control bleeding. Participants are taught to conduct a primary survey — DR ABC (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation) — adapted for paediatric patients.

Course Options Available from Phoenix STS

Onsite Paediatric First Aid Training

Phoenix STS delivers paediatric first aid training directly at your premises, anywhere across Ireland. Onsite delivery is the most practical option for childcare settings, schools, and sports clubs, as it allows staff to train together in a familiar environment with minimal disruption to operations. All onsite courses include hands-on practical sessions using infant and child manikins, assessed in line with the relevant certification standard.

PHECC First Aid Responder (FAR)

The PHECC FAR is the gold standard qualification for childcare professionals and is the certification required under Tusla's early years inspection framework. Phoenix STS delivers PHECC FAR courses across Ireland, including blended delivery options that combine online theoretical learning with mandatory face-to-face practical and assessment sessions. The qualification is valid for two years and must be renewed through a PHECC-approved renewal programme.

Paediatric First Aid — Awareness and Introduction Courses

For parents, grandparents, and community members who do not require a formal occupational qualification, Phoenix STS offers paediatric first aid awareness courses covering the core life-saving skills in a shorter, accessible format. These courses are not a substitute for PHECC FAR in regulated settings but provide valuable, practical skills for anyone who cares for children.

Public Scheduled Courses

In addition to private onsite training, Phoenix STS runs a programme of publicly scheduled courses suitable for individuals who need to attend as standalone participants rather than as part of a group booking. Current dates and availability are listed at events.phoenixsts.ie.

Legislative Framework

The following legislation and regulatory instruments are relevant to paediatric first aid requirements in Ireland:

• Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, S.I. No. 221 of 2016 — Regulation 25 mandates that a person trained in first aid for children is immediately available at all times in registered pre-school services.
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 — Places a general duty on employers to provide adequate first aid facilities and trained personnel appropriate to the workplace and workforce.
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 — Part 7 provides specific requirements for first aid provisions in Irish workplaces, including minimum numbers of trained first aiders.
• PHECC (Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council) Standards — The statutory body responsible for regulating and setting standards for pre-hospital emergency care in Ireland, including the FAR qualification framework.

Organisations operating in the childcare, education, or sports sectors should obtain independent legal advice to confirm the specific requirements applicable to their service, as regulatory guidance evolves and governing body requirements may impose additional standards beyond the statutory minimum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between paediatric first aid and standard first aid?

Standard first aid courses focus primarily on adult patients and are designed to meet general workplace obligations under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. Paediatric first aid is specifically designed around the anatomical and physiological differences of infants and children — including adapted CPR techniques, age-specific choking response, and child-appropriate airway management. For anyone working regularly with children, paediatric-specific training is essential rather than optional.

Is paediatric first aid a legal requirement for childcare providers in Ireland?

Yes. Regulation 25 of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 requires that at least one person trained in first aid for children is immediately available at all times in any registered early years or pre-school service. Tusla's inspectorate enforces this requirement and recognises the PHECC First Aid Responder (FAR) qualification as the appropriate standard. Services that cannot demonstrate compliance risk regulatory action, including suspension or revocation of their registration.

How long is a PHECC First Aid Responder certificate valid for?

The PHECC FAR certificate is valid for two years from the date of successful completion and assessment. After this period, the holder must complete an approved renewal programme to maintain their certification. Employers in regulated settings — particularly those operating under Tusla oversight — should proactively manage staff certification expiry dates to avoid periods of non-compliance. Phoenix STS can assist organisations with scheduling renewal training ahead of expiry.

Can an online-only first aid course satisfy Tusla's Regulation 25 requirement?

No. An online-only certificate does not satisfy Tusla's requirement under Regulation 25. Tusla recognises the PHECC FAR qualification, which requires demonstrated practical competency assessed in person. Online components may be incorporated into a blended delivery model, but a face-to-face practical assessment is mandatory. Organisations relying solely on online certificates to meet their Regulation 25 obligation are at risk of non-compliance during Tusla inspection.

What first aid qualifications do sports coaches working with children need?

Requirements vary by sport and governing body. Many of Ireland's national governing bodies — including those affiliated with Sport Ireland — require or strongly recommend that coaches and team managers hold a paediatric first aid qualification. Beyond governing body requirements, coaches have a general duty of care to children in their charge, which is substantially supported by holding a current, recognised paediatric first aid certification. Phoenix STS recommends consulting your governing body's child welfare and safeguarding documentation for the most current requirements.

How many staff members need paediatric first aid training in a crèche?

Regulation 25 requires that a trained person is available at all times. In practice, this means employers must account for shift patterns, annual leave, sick leave, and other absences. Relying on a single qualified staff member creates significant compliance risk. Phoenix STS recommends that all staff in childcare settings complete paediatric first aid training — or at minimum that sufficient qualified staff are available across all shifts to guarantee continuous regulatory compliance.

What age groups does paediatric first aid training cover?

A comprehensive paediatric first aid course covers three distinct age categories: infants (under 12 months), children (1 year to puberty), and general paediatric awareness that bridges into adolescent care. Each group requires different CPR ratios, compression depths, airway management techniques, and choking responses. Courses that do not adequately cover infant first aid specifically should be scrutinised carefully, particularly for those working in crèche or nursery environments where infants are present.

My organisation already has a qualified occupational first aider — is that sufficient?

A general occupational first aid qualification may meet baseline HSA requirements for workplace first aid but does not satisfy Tusla's Regulation 25 requirement, which specifically calls for a person trained in first aid for children. If your setting serves children — particularly under-fives — a paediatric-specific or PHECC FAR qualification is required for the staff member whose presence ensures Regulation 25 compliance. We recommend reviewing your specific regulatory obligations with your training provider and, where necessary, seeking independent legal guidance.

Enquire Now

If your organisation needs paediatric first aid training — whether to meet Tusla's Regulation 25, satisfy your governing body requirements, or simply ensure that the adults responsible for children in your care are prepared for an emergency — Phoenix STS is here to help.

Contact us today to discuss your training needs:

• Online: phoenixsts.ie/contact-us
• Phone: 043 334 9611
• Email: info@phoenixsts.ie

Browse our full course catalogue: phoenixsts.ie/courses

View upcoming public course dates: events.phoenixsts.ie

Related Resources

• First Aid Courses — Phoenix STS
• Public Scheduled Courses
• Contact Phoenix STS

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal or regulatory guidance specific to your organisation. Legislation and regulatory requirements are subject to change. Phoenix STS recommends that organisations independently verify current requirements with Tusla, the Health and Safety Authority, and any relevant governing body. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, Phoenix STS accepts no liability for errors, omissions, or any actions taken on the basis of this content.