The two-day paediatric first aid course covers a range of essential topics to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to medical emergencies involving infants and children. Here are the learning outcomes from the course:
1. Understanding Paediatric CPR: Participants learn how to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) specifically tailored for infants and children, including chest compressions, rescue breaths, and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) if available.
2. Choking Management: Techniques for recognizing and responding to choking incidents in infants and children, including the appropriate use of back blows and chest thrusts.
3. Assessment and Treatment of Common Injuries: Identification and appropriate first aid management of common injuries such as cuts, burns, fractures, sprains, and head injuries in paediatric patients.
4. Medical Emergencies: Recognition and initial management of medical emergencies such as allergic reactions, asthma attacks, seizures, and diabetic emergencies in children.
5. Anaphylaxis Management: Understanding the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis in children and administering epinephrine using auto-injectors.
6. Temperature-Related Emergencies: Recognition and initial treatment of heat-related illnesses and hypothermia in paediatric patients.
7. Poisoning and Ingestion Emergencies: Identification of common household toxins and appropriate first aid measures for ingestion emergencies in children.
8. Infection Control: Understanding the importance of infection control measures when providing first aid to paediatric patients to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
9. Dealing with Emotional Aspects: Learning how to provide reassurance and emotional support to children and their caregivers during medical emergencies.
10. Legal and Ethical Considerations: Understanding legal and ethical considerations surrounding paediatric first aid, including consent, documentation, and the Good Samaritan law.
11. Communication and Reporting: Effective communication with emergency services, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, as well as proper documentation of first aid interventions.
12. Practical Skills Practice: Hands-on practice sessions to reinforce skills such as CPR, bandaging, splinting, and using first aid equipment.
By the end of the course, participants should feel confident and competent in their ability to recognise and respond to medical emergencies involving infants and children, potentially making a life-saving difference in critical situations.
Assessment Methods:
• Theory assessment/multiple choice question paper:
1 x 15 question paper (minimum score 11)
1 x 25 question paper (minimum score 18)
• Practical assessment – 7 completed throughout the course
