What Does a Paediatric First Aid Course Cover?
If you’re booking training, one of the first questions is:
“What does the course actually include?”
A proper paediatric first aid course is practical, structured and focused on real situations involving children.
The structure of a paediatric first aid course
Most recognised courses follow a 12-hour format, usually delivered over:
2 full days, or
blended learning (online + practical)
The focus is always on building practical skills.
Core life-saving skills
You will learn how to:
assess a situation safely
perform infant and child CPR
use an AED
manage choking
deal with an unconscious child
These are the most time-critical skills.
Managing injuries
You’ll also cover:
bleeding and shock
burns and scalds
fractures and sprains
head and spinal injuries
These are common incidents in childcare environments.
Managing illnesses
Paediatric first aid also includes:
asthma
allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
meningitis awareness
febrile convulsions
diabetes
This reflects the types of medical emergencies seen in children.
Why the course is practical
You won’t just sit and listen.
You’ll:
practise skills repeatedly
work through scenarios
apply what you’ve learned
This is what builds confidence.
How you are assessed
Assessment usually includes:
practical observation
multiple choice questions
This ensures you can both understand and apply the skills.
What you get at the end
If you meet the required standard:
👉 You receive a Level 3 Paediatric First Aid certificate
This is valid for 3 years.
What the course does not do
It does not:
rely only on theory
skip practical skills
assume knowledge will stick without practice
If a course feels like that, it’s not preparing you properly.
How this differs from workplace first aid
Paediatric first aid is focused on:
infants and children
how they present differently
how treatment varies
👉 For adult-focused training, see:
Emergency First Aid at Work
First Aid at Work
Final thought
A paediatric first aid course is not just about covering topics.
It’s about making sure you can act when a child needs help.
That’s the standard it should be delivered to.
FAQ SECTION
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It is usually a 12-hour course delivered over 2 days or through blended learning.
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Yes. Most of the course focuses on practising skills and applying them in realistic situations.
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You receive a Level 3 Paediatric First Aid certificate.
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It is valid for 3 years.
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Yes. Infant and child CPR and AED use are core parts of the course.
