The Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (RQF) covers essential first aid skills and knowledge to enable learners to respond effectively to emergencies involving infants and children. The course content is designed to meet the requirements set out by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), ensuring that those working with children are fully equipped to deal with medical emergencies in a childcare setting. 

Course Content: 

1. Assessing an Emergency Situation

• How to conduct an initial assessment of the situation to identify any immediate dangers and assess the child’s condition. 

• The importance of remaining calm and managing the situation effectively. 

2. Managing an Unresponsive Infant or Child 

• Recognising when a child is unresponsive or unconscious. 

• Techniques for ensuring the airway is open and clear. • How to place an unresponsive infant or child into the recovery position. 

• Understanding when to call for emergency medical help. 

3. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) for Infants and Children 

• Correct techniques for performing CPR on both infants (under 1 year old) and children (1 year to puberty). 

• Chest compressions and rescue breaths, including the correct compression depth and rate. 

• The difference in CPR techniques for infants, children, and adults. 

4. Choking in Infants and Children 

• Identifying the signs of choking in infants and children. 

• How to perform the appropriate first aid techniques for choking, including back slaps, chest thrusts, and abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver). 

• When to seek medical help if the choking persists. 

5. Seizures in Infants and Children 

• Recognising the signs of a seizure in infants and children. 

• How to manage a child who is having a seizure, including how to keep them safe during the episode. 

• When and how to seek medical assistance. 

6. External Bleeding 

• How to control external bleeding in infants and children. 

• Techniques for applying pressure and dressing wounds to stop bleeding. 

• Recognising the signs of severe bleeding and knowing when to seek professional medical help. 

7. Shock 

• Identifying the symptoms of shock in children. 

• How to manage shock by maintaining warmth, positioning, and ensuring the child’s airway remains clear. • When to call for emergency medical assistance. 

8. Minor Injuries 

• How to treat cuts, bruises, and grazes, including cleaning and dressing wounds. 

• Managing sprains and strains in infants and children. 

9. Other Emergencies 

• Recognising the signs of febrile seizures (seizures caused by a high fever) and understanding how to respond. 

• Recognising signs of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions) and knowing how to administer an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), if necessary. 

• Dealing with poisoning and overdoses, including what actions to take if a child ingests something harmful. 

10. Legal and Documentation Considerations 

• The importance of record-keeping and documenting any first aid provided. 

• Understanding the legal responsibilities of a first aider in a childcare setting, including consent, confidentiality, and duty of care. Practical Assessments: 

• Learners will participate in practical demonstrations and role-play scenarios to apply their knowledge in real-life situations. This includes performing CPR, managing choking incidents, and providing first aid for various injuries. 

• The course also involves practical assessments to ensure that participants are competent in delivering first aid to infants and children. 

By the end of the course, learners will have the confidence and practical ability to respond appropriately to a wide range of emergency situations involving children and infants. This qualification is recognised by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and is required for those working in childcare settings, schools, and similar environments.