Childminders care for infants and young children—often working solo—so you’re the first line of defense in an emergency.
Apart from childminders, pediatric first aid training is provided to:
- Pediatric nurses
- Babysitters
- Parents or families of children and infants
- Staff members teaching preschool kids, school kids, and nursery kids
- Those working in play and activity center jobs
- The ones who work at a sports club
If you want to know what receiving first aid training as a childminder is like, then keep reading. In this article, we will be discussing what pediatric first aid training includes and what you should know about pediatric first aid primary survey.
Core Competencies Every Childminder Needs
| Skill | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Primary Assessment | DRSABCD: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillator |
| Infant & Child CPR | 30 compressions : 2 breaths; compress 4 cm (infant) or 5 cm (child) deep |
| Choking Relief | Back blows → chest thrusts (infant) / abdominal thrusts (child) |
| Bleeding Control | Apply direct pressure; elevate limb; sterile dressing |
| Burns & Scalds | Cool under running water for 10 min; remove jewelry; dress loosely |
| Anaphylaxis Management | Recognise hives, swelling, difficulty breathing; give auto-injector; call EMS |
| Seizure First Aid | Protect from injury; don’t restrain; time the seizure; place in recovery position |
| Fracture Immobilisation | Support above & below injury; avoid moving head/spine if suspected |
Pediatric First Aid Primary Survey
A primary survey refers to the initial assessment and management involved in dealing with a trauma patient. It is a systematic and quick way to detect life-threatening conditions and treat them in an order of priority.
The acronym DRABC is used to determine the accurate order in which one can perform a primary survey. Here’s what the acronym stands for:
D: Danger
The very first step for a childminder or first aider is to ensure that they are safe and not putting themselves at risk. Also, ensure that there are no bystanders or casualties before beginning the necessary first aid treatment.
R: Response
Before you proceed, you need to check if the infant or child is conscious or not. In order to determine this, just tap or flick the sole of the foot of the child in a gentle manner.
In case you don’t get a response, you will know that the child is in an unresponsive state. If that’s the case, then you must begin the required pediatric first aid immediately.
A: Airway
The next step in the primary survey is for a childminder to identify the presence of any life-threatening airway obstruction and treat it accordingly.
If the child or infant is unconscious, place your hand on their forehead gently. After this, tilt the child’s head back and prop up their chin slightly using your other hand. This will ensure that the airway is open and clear.
B: Breathing
If the child is experiencing a life-threatening condition in terms of breathing, it must be identified and treated immediately. The first step in this is to carefully listen and look for any signs during the first 10 seconds.
If you find the child or infant to not be breathing normally, CPR will have to be started right away. In case the child’s condition still doesn’t improve, call the emergency medical services. You can also request the bystanders to arrange for an AED, if that’s a possibility.
C: Circulation
If a circulation problem is found in the infant or child which could be life-threatening, it needs to be treated right away. Once you’re done examining the circulation, that’s when the primary survey is complete. If the child is still unresponsive, begin with CPR immediately.
First Aid for Childminders
Childminders have a unique responsibility when caring for young children, and being well-prepared for emergencies is a crucial part of the role. Pediatric first aid for childminders differs from adult first aid in that it addresses the distinct physiological and developmental needs of infants and young children. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Importance of Specialized Pediatric First Aid Training
- Targeted Techniques: Childminders must learn techniques tailored to children—for example, how to perform CPR on infants and children, which varies in compression depth and rate compared to adults. They are also trained in managing choking, using recovery positions appropriately for small bodies, and recognizing less obvious symptoms of distress.
- Responsibilities Under EYFS: The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework emphasizes ensuring children’s safety and wellbeing. Childminders are expected to keep up to date with their pediatric first aid training so they can confidently handle situations such as falls, allergic reactions, or poisoning incidents.
- Building Confidence: Through pediatric first aid courses, childminders gain not only the essential skills to manage emergency situations but also the confidence to remain calm and decisive under pressure. Many training providers offer nationally recognized qualifications that are valid for a set period (often three years) and cover a variety of emergency scenarios specific to young children.
2. Essential Components for a Childminder’s First Aid Kit
A well-stocked and regularly maintained first aid kit is a must-have. Key items include:
- For Cuts, Scrapes, and Bruises: Adhesive bandages (various sizes), sterile gauze pads, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic cream.
- For Choking and Breathing Emergencies: A pediatric resuscitation face shield or mask for CPR, as well as guidance notes specific to child and infant resuscitation techniques.
- For Allergic Reactions: If a child has a known allergy, childminders should have an emergency medication plan ready, such as an epinephrine auto-injector, with clear instructions.
- For Poisoning and Ingestion Emergencies: Contact information for the national poison control center and a guide on how to manage suspected poisonings before professional help arrives.
- Other Essentials: A digital thermometer, disposable gloves, scissors, and a first aid manual that offers child-specific guidance.
3. Ongoing Preparedness and Continuous Learning
- Regular Training Updates: As recommended by the EYFS and professional organizations, ongoing refresher courses are key to keeping skills sharp. Training often focuses on scenarios like managing fevers, administering CPR in different age groups, and responding to falls or minor injuries.
- Emergency Action Plan: In addition to having a robust first aid kit and training, childminders should also have an established emergency action plan. This plan should include:
- Clear guidelines on when and how to seek professional medical help.
- Detailed contact information for local emergency services and designated emergency contacts.
- Procedures for communicating with parents or guardians during and after an incident.
- Communication and Record Keeping: Maintain a log of all first aid interventions. This ensures that any incident is well-documented, which is crucial both for ongoing care and for fulfilling statutory duties.
4. Creating a Safe Environment
- Risk Assessment: Regularly assess the play and learning areas to identify potential hazards and remove them where possible. Childminders should continuously monitor how children interact with their environment to prevent injuries.
- Preventive Education: Integrate age-appropriate safety education into daily activities. Teaching children simple safety rules can help reduce the occurrence of accidents.
Do’s and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Keep calm and talk gently to reassure the child | Leave an injured child alone |
| Stay with the child and continuously monitor vital signs | Give any medication (incl. ibuprofen) unless prescribed |
| Update parents/guardians on any incident immediately | Delay calling emergency services for serious signs |
| Maintain your paediatric first aid training current | Attempt complex procedures (e.g., fracture realignment) |
| Have an up-to-date emergency contact list and care plan | Ignore early warning signs (pallor, lethargy, breathing changes) |
REFERENCES
- John Furst ,First Aid for Childminders: What to Know?,April 23, 2024, https://www.firstaidforfree.com/first-aid-kit-for-childminders/
- Scotish Childminding Association, First Aid Training for Childminders, https://www.childminding.org/learn-with-scma/first-aid-training
- Practical First Aid, Top First Aid Tips for Childminders Every Provider Should Know, https://practicalfirstaid.co.uk/top-first-aid-tips-for-childminders-every-provider-should-know/
- Childminding Ireland, Childminding Paediatric First Aid for Childminders, December 19, 2022, https://www.childminding.ie/trainings/childminding-paediatric-first-aid-for-childminders/
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