Paediatric First Aid Courses: Why They Matter and Who Benefits
Paediatric first aid training equips individuals with the specialised skills needed to respond to medical emergencies involving infants and children. Unlike adult first aid, paediatric techniques account for the unique anatomical and physiological differences in young patients. This guide explores Irish regulatory requirements, key differences in paediatric care, and who should undertake this essential training.
Why Paediatric First Aid Training Matters
Sources: CDC WISQARS Database (2001-2016); American Heart Association Guidelines; National Safety Council
What is a Paediatric First Aid Course?
A paediatric first aid course is specifically designed for individuals who need to administer first aid to children under 14 years of age and infants. Unlike standard adult first aid training, paediatric courses address the unique challenges of treating younger patients, including:
- Smaller, more delicate body structures with softer, more flexible bones
- Narrower airways more prone to obstruction
- Different causes of cardiac arrest (primarily respiratory rather than cardiac in origin)
- Modified CPR techniques with adjusted compression depths and ratios
- Age-appropriate psychological approaches to reassure distressed children
Participants learn to recognise paediatric emergencies, respond appropriately, and provide lifesaving assistance until professional medical help arrives.
Irish Regulatory Requirements
Tusla Requirements for Early Years Services
Regulation 25 of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 requires that:
- A person trained in first aid for children must be immediately available at all times to pre-school children attending an early years service
- The PHECC First Aid Responder (FAR) standard is recognised by Tusla as the approved first aid course for children
- The number of trained staff required is based on the service’s risk assessment, including facility size and identified hazards
Note: Since November 2021, Tusla inspects services against the requirement for at least one person to have completed the PHECC FAR course delivered by a PHECC-approved trainer.
PHECC FAR Certification
The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) First Aid Response (FAR) standard meets multiple regulatory requirements:
Childcare Settings (Tusla)
PHECC FAR is the recognised standard for early years services under the Child Care Act 1991 Regulations.
- Covers adults and children
- 2-year certification validity
- Recertification course required
Workplace (HSA)
Meets Health and Safety Authority requirements for occupational first aid under SHWWA 2005.
- Section 10 training requirements
- General Application Regulations 2007
- Risk assessment based provision
Sports Coaching
Many National Governing Bodies require coaches to hold valid first aid certification including AED training.
- In-person training required
- Online-only courses not accepted
- 2-year validity standard
Who Benefits from Paediatric First Aid Training?
Anyone with a duty of care for children and infants should consider undertaking paediatric first aid training. This includes both professional caregivers required by regulation and individuals who interact with children in personal or voluntary capacities.
Childcare Professionals
Crèche staff, childminders, nursery workers, and pre-school educators (Tusla Regulation 25 requirement)
Education Staff
Primary school teachers, special needs assistants, after-school club leaders, and school administrators
Sports Coaches
Youth sports coaches, team managers, swimming instructors, and PE teachers (NGB licensing requirements)
Parents and Grandparents
Family members caring for young children at home, especially those with infants
Youth Organisation Leaders
Scout leaders, summer camp staff, youth club volunteers, and activity coordinators
Healthcare Support Staff
Healthcare assistants, dental nurses, and reception staff in paediatric settings
Why Paediatric First Aid Differs from Adult First Aid
Children are not simply small adults. Their anatomical and physiological characteristics require modified first aid approaches. Even if you hold an adult first aid qualification, specific paediatric training is essential.
Key Anatomical and Physiological Differences
- Airway: Children have narrower airways more prone to obstruction, and their tongues are proportionally larger relative to their mouths
- Skeletal structure: Softer, more flexible bones with developing rib cages requiring gentler chest compressions
- Cardiac arrest causes: Unlike adults where heart conditions predominate, paediatric cardiac arrest is primarily caused by respiratory failure, making ventilation critical
- Psychological factors: Children may not be able to communicate symptoms clearly and require age-appropriate reassurance techniques
CPR Technique Differences
| Parameter | Adult (Puberty+) | Child (1 year to puberty) | Infant (Under 1 year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression Depth | At least 5cm (2 inches) | About 5cm (2 inches) or 1/3 chest depth | About 4cm (1.5 inches) or 1/3 chest depth |
| Compression Rate | 100-120 per minute | 100-120 per minute | 100-120 per minute |
| Compression:Breath Ratio (1 rescuer) | 30:2 | 30:2 | 30:2 |
| Compression:Breath Ratio (2 rescuers) | 30:2 | 15:2 | 15:2 |
| Compression Technique | Two hands, heel of palm | One or two hands depending on size | Two thumbs encircling or heel of one hand |
| Rescue Breaths | Optional (hands-only acceptable) | Essential (respiratory cause common) | Essential (respiratory cause common) |
| Airway Position | Head tilt-chin lift | Neutral/slight extension | “Sniffing position” (neutral) |
Source: American Heart Association Guidelines; European Resuscitation Council Guidelines
Critical Difference: Start CPR Before Calling for Help
Unlike adult cardiac arrest where you should call emergency services immediately, for children and infants you should provide 2 minutes of CPR first (approximately 5 cycles), then call 112/999. This is because paediatric cardiac arrest is typically caused by respiratory problems, and immediate CPR can restore oxygen circulation before the heart fully stops.
Common Childhood Emergencies Covered
Paediatric first aid courses cover a comprehensive range of emergencies specific to children. Understanding these scenarios enables trained responders to act quickly and effectively.
Choking
The 4th leading cause of unintentional death. Back blows and abdominal thrusts for children; back blows and chest thrusts for infants.
Paediatric CPR and AED Use
Age-appropriate chest compressions, rescue breathing, and defibrillator use with paediatric pads.
Febrile Seizures
Recognising and managing fever-induced seizures common in children aged 6 months to 5 years.
Asthma and Breathing Difficulties
Identifying respiratory distress and assisting with inhaler administration.
Burns and Scalds
Cooling techniques, wound assessment, and when to seek emergency care.
Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis
Recognising severe allergic reactions and administering auto-injector devices.
Fractures and Sprains
Immobilisation techniques and distinguishing between common childhood injuries.
Bleeding and Wound Care
Controlling bleeding, cleaning wounds, and recognising signs of infection.
Head Injuries
Assessing severity, monitoring for concussion symptoms, and emergency indicators.
Poisoning
Response to ingestion of harmful substances, when to induce vomiting (rarely), and poison control contact.
Drowning and Near-Drowning
Water rescue awareness, CPR for drowning victims, and secondary drowning recognition.
Unconsciousness
Recovery position for children, maintaining airway, and monitoring vital signs.
Focus: Choking in Children
Choking is one of the most common paediatric emergencies and a leading cause of injury and death in young children. Research indicates:
- 73% of non-fatal choking injuries and 75% of choking fatalities occur in children under 5 years of age
- Food accounts for 60-80% of choking deaths in children
- Common choking hazards include hot dogs, grapes, nuts, hard sweets, coins, and small toys
- Latex balloons are the most common fatal non-food choking hazard
Knowing the correct technique for infant back blows and chest thrusts versus abdominal thrusts for older children can save lives when every second counts.
Benefits of Paediatric First Aid Training
Confidence in Emergencies
Training provides the knowledge and practical skills to respond calmly and effectively when a child is injured or ill. This confidence can make a critical difference in outcomes.
Prevention of Further Harm
Knowing what to do AND what NOT to do prevents well-intentioned actions from causing additional injury. Proper first aid can prevent illness or injury from becoming worse.
Regulatory Compliance
For childcare professionals, PHECC FAR certification ensures compliance with Tusla Regulation 25. For sports coaches, it meets NGB licensing requirements.
Faster Emergency Response
Trained responders can provide immediate care while waiting for professional emergency services, potentially reducing the severity of outcomes.
Course Options
Phoenix STS offers paediatric first aid training to meet different needs and requirements:
Onsite Paediatric First Aid
Delivered at your premises for groups of childcare staff, teachers, or sports clubs. Includes practical hands-on training with infant and child manikins.
- Customised to your setting
- Practical skills assessment
- Group booking discounts available
Online Paediatric First Aid
Flexible online learning covering theoretical knowledge. Ideal for parents and individuals seeking foundational awareness.
- Learn at your own pace
- Certificate of completion
- Awareness-level training
PHECC FAR (Full Certification)
The full PHECC First Aid Responder course meeting Tusla and HSA requirements. Covers both adult and paediatric emergencies.
- 3-day course (or blended delivery)
- 2-year certification
- Meets regulatory requirements
Important: Online vs In-Person Training
While online courses provide valuable theoretical knowledge, Tusla and most National Governing Bodies require in-person practical training with hands-on skills assessment. Online-only certificates may not meet regulatory requirements for childcare settings or sports coaching. Always verify certification requirements with your regulator or governing body.
Book Your Paediatric First Aid Course
Whether you are a childcare professional meeting Tusla requirements, a sports coach needing NGB certification, or a parent wanting to protect your family, Phoenix STS provides expert paediatric first aid training delivered by experienced instructors.
References and Further Reading
- Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 221 of 2016)
- Tusla: First Aid Training in Early Years Services
- Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC)
- Citizens Information: Regulation of Pre-school Childcare Services
- American Heart Association CPR and ECC Guidelines
- European Resuscitation Council Guidelines
- CDC WISQARS Database: Choking Injuries in Children (2001-2016)
- National Safety Council: Choking Prevention
Disclaimer
This article provides general guidance on paediatric first aid training in Ireland. It is not a substitute for completing an accredited first aid course or for professional medical advice. Training requirements may vary based on specific workplace settings, regulatory bodies, and individual circumstances. Always verify certification requirements with your regulator (Tusla, HSA) or National Governing Body and seek professional training from accredited providers.
