Paediatric first aid

Learning outcomes

• Carry out a primary survey and place a child in the recovery position
• Deliver paediatric CPR at the correct ratio and depth
• Manage choking, bleeding, burns, seizures and anaphylaxis
• Complete an accident record and know when to escalate to emergency services

Module 1 of 3

Primary survey and unresponsive casualties

Work through DR ABC every time: check for Danger, then Response, then Airway, Breathing and Circulation. Approaching in the same order under pressure is what prevents missed steps.

For a child who is unresponsive but breathing normally, place them in the recovery position and monitor breathing continuously until help arrives. For an unresponsive child who is not breathing normally, start CPR immediately and ensure 999 is called.

Module 2 of 3

Choking, bleeding and burns

For effective coughing, encourage the child to keep coughing. For an ineffective cough, alternate five back blows with five chest thrusts for an infant, or five abdominal thrusts for a child over one year. Any child who receives abdominal thrusts must be seen by a medical professional afterwards.

Control severe bleeding with direct pressure and elevation, and call 999. Cool burns under cool running water for a full 20 minutes, then cover loosely with cling film. Never apply creams, ice or butter, and never burst blisters.

Module 3 of 3

Seizures, allergy and recording

During a seizure, protect the head, remove nearby hazards and time the event. Do not restrain the child or put anything in their mouth. Call 999 if the seizure lasts over five minutes, repeats, or is the child's first.

For anaphylaxis, use the child's own adrenaline auto-injector into the outer thigh without delay, call 999 and be ready to give a second dose after five minutes. Every incident, however minor, is recorded in the accident book and reported to the placing authority and parents or carers as set out in the placement plan.