The Ultimate Guide to Emergency Child Care First Aid
From CPR for babies to managing fevers and allergies, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know. Get certified with RupIELTS Institute, the leading training provider in Surrey and Edmonton.
The Foundation: Check, Call, Care
In any emergency, these three simple steps are your guide to taking control of the situation safely and effectively.
1. CHECK
Check the scene for dangers, then check the child for responsiveness and life-threatening conditions (Airway, Breathing, Circulation).
2. CALL
Call 911 immediately for any unresponsive child or life-threatening emergency. Then, call the parent or guardian.
3. CARE
Provide care based on your training. Keep the child calm, comfortable, and monitor their condition until help arrives.
Life-Saving Skills: Choking Emergencies
Conscious Choking - Child
If a child is choking but can still cough or speak, encourage them to keep coughing. If they cannot breathe, cough, or speak, you must act immediately.
What to do: Alternate between 5 firm back blows (between the shoulder blades) and 5 abdominal thrusts (just above the belly button).
Conscious Choking - Baby (Under 1)
A baby's smaller airway makes them highly susceptible to choking. The technique is different from that for a child.
What to do: Support the baby face-down on your forearm. Give 5 firm back blows. Then, turn the baby face-up and give 5 chest compressions (with two fingers). Repeat.
If a child or baby becomes unresponsive at any time, call 911 and begin CPR immediately.
CPR & AED for Children and Babies
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a critical skill for any caregiver. The technique varies by the age of the child.
CPR - Child (1 to 8 years)
- Compressions: 30 chest compressions in the center of the chest using one or two hands.
- Depth: At least 1/3 the depth of the chest.
- Breaths: 2 rescue breaths after compressions.
- Rate: 100-120 compressions per minute.
CPR - Baby (Under 1 year)
- Compressions: 30 chest compressions using two fingers in the center of the chest.
- Depth: At least 1/3 the depth of the chest.
- Breaths: 2 small breaths, covering the baby's mouth and nose.
- Rate: 100-120 compressions per minute.
Using an AED on Children
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be used on children and babies. Use pediatric pads if available. If not, adult pads can be used, ensuring they do not touch. Place one on the chest and one on the back if necessary.
Managing Breathing and Sudden Emergencies
Breathing Emergencies
Asthma
Help the child use their quick-relief inhaler (puffer). Call 911 if their breathing does not improve.
Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergy)
Look for trouble breathing and swelling of the face, often combined with a skin reaction like hives. Call 911. Help the child use their epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen®).
Sudden Medical Emergencies
Diabetic Emergency
If the child is responsive, give them sugar (juice, candy). Call 911 if they don't improve.
Febrile Seizure
Caused by a high fever in young children. Call 911. Protect the child from injury and try to cool them down with a room-temperature sponge bath.
Handling Common Injuries & Illnesses
Wound Care: Control bleeding with direct pressure. Clean minor cuts with running water and bandage. For burns, cool with running water for at least 10 minutes.
Head, Neck & Spine Injuries: If you suspect a serious injury from a fall or blow, call 911 and keep the child completely still until help arrives. Manually support the head in the position you found it.
Bone, Muscle & Joint Injuries: Use RICE: Rest, Immobilize, Cool, and Elevate.
Poisons: If you suspect a child has ingested poison, call 1-844-POISON-X or your local poison control centre immediately. Call 911 if the child is unresponsive or has trouble breathing.
Childhood Illnesses: For high fevers, vomiting, or diarrhea, it's important to keep the child hydrated and call the parent/guardian. Follow your facility's policies for reporting contagious diseases.
Who Needs This Certification?
The Emergency Child Care First Aid certificate is essential for anyone who works with or cares for children.
- Daycare Workers
- Early Childhood Educators (ECE)
- Nannies & Babysitters
- Parents & Grandparents
- Camp Counsellors
- Teachers & Coaches
Get Your Certification with the Experts
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