The Child Care First Aid & CPR course is specifically designed to prepare caregivers, educators, and parents to recognize and respond to emergencies involving infants and children. This comprehensive training follows Canadian Standards Association (CSA) guidelines and meets provincial/territorial legislative requirements for childcare workers in British Columbia.

In this complete guide, we'll explore every topic covered in the Emergency Child Care First Aid course, so you know exactly what to expect when you enroll at RupIELTS Institute in Surrey.

1. Foundations of First Aid & The Red Cross

The course begins by introducing you to the Canadian Red Cross, an organization with over 80 years of experience delivering life-saving education programs across Canada. You'll learn about the fundamental principles that guide Red Cross work: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality.

2. Responding to Emergencies

Topics Covered:

3. Check, Call, Care - The Foundation of First Aid Response

The Check, Call, Care framework is the cornerstone of all emergency response. This systematic approach ensures you address the most critical issues first.

Secondary Assessment: The SAMPLE Method

Once life-threatening conditions are addressed, you'll learn to perform a thorough secondary assessment using SAMPLE:

• Signs and symptoms
• Allergies
• Medications
• Past medical history
• Last oral intake (food or drink)
• Events leading up to the emergency

4. Choking Emergencies

Choking is one of the most common and frightening emergencies involving children, especially those under 5 years old. This section provides life-saving skills that every caregiver in Surrey must know.

For Children (Over 1 Year)

For Babies (Less Than 1 Year)

5. Circulation Emergencies

Stroke Recognition (FAST Method)

While strokes are less common in children, they can occur at any age. Learn to recognize:

• Face - facial drooping or weakness
• Arm - arm numbness or weakness
• Speech - abnormal or difficult speech
• Time - time is critical; call EMS/9-1-1 immediately

Life-Threatening Bleeding

6. CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

This is one of the most critical sections of the Child Care First Aid course. You'll receive extensive hands-on training in:

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use

7. Breathing Emergencies

Asthma Management

With asthma being extremely common in children, this training is essential for Surrey childcare workers:

• Recognizing asthma attack signs (wheezing, gasping, chest tightness)
• Removing environmental triggers
• Assisting with quick-relief inhaler
• Using an inhaler with and without a spacer
• Understanding asthma action plans
• When to call EMS/9-1-1 for asthma
• Proper administration techniques

Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergic Reactions)

Life-threatening allergic reactions require immediate action. You'll learn:

8. Wound Care

From minor cuts to serious burns, this comprehensive section covers all types of wounds you might encounter in childcare settings in Surrey.

Basic Wound Care

Other Common Injuries

9. Head, Neck, Spine & Pelvis Injuries

These are among the most serious injuries you can encounter. The course provides comprehensive training on recognition and proper care.

When to Suspect These Injuries

• Fall from height greater than child's height
• Diving injuries
• Child found unresponsive (unknown cause)
• Strong blow to head, jaw, or torso
• Lightning strike or electrocution

Concussion Management

With growing awareness of concussion risks, this training is critical for coaches, teachers, and caregivers in Surrey:

Shaken Baby Syndrome

A critical topic for childcare providers, covering:

• How SBS occurs and its serious consequences
• Recognizing unexplained injuries and bruising
• Bleeding or clear fluid from ears/nose
• Neurological problems
• When to call EMS/9-1-1
• Treating injuries without accusation

Proper Care Techniques

10. Bone, Muscle & Joint Injuries

Four Types of Injuries

The RICE Method

Splints and Slings

Hands-on training includes:

• Regular sling application (triangular bandage technique)
• Tube sling for different injury types
• Improvising splints from everyday items
• Checking circulation before and after application
• Proper padding techniques
• Securing without causing additional harm

11. Sudden Medical Emergencies

Diabetic Emergencies

Recognizing and responding to blood sugar fluctuations:

Seizures

Comprehensive training on seizure response:

• Recognizing different types (uncontrollable movements, drooling, altered responsiveness)
• Protecting from injury (moving objects, cushioning head)
• What NOT to do (don't hold them down)
• Recovery position after seizure
• When to call EMS/9-1-1

Febrile Seizures (Fever-Related)

Special considerations for babies and young children:

• Associated with fevers over 39°C (102°F)
• Removing excess clothing/blankets
• Sponge bath with room-temperature water
• Providing fluids to prevent dehydration
• Giving fever-reducing medication if provided by parent

Mental Health Emergencies

An increasingly important topic in childcare:

12. Environmental Illness

With Surrey's climate varying from hot summers to cold winters, understanding environmental emergencies is crucial.

Heat-Related Illnesses

Cold-Related Illnesses

Frostbite

Hypothermia (4 Stages)

Progressive care from cold stress to severe hypothermia:

• Cold Stressed: Complaining of cold, shivering, moving - add clothing, give high-calorie food, increase heat production
• Mild Hypothermia: Not complaining of cold, shivering, impaired movement - keep horizontal, insulate, apply heat to upper trunk
• Moderate Hypothermia: Not shivering, impaired movement, responsive - same as mild PLUS call EMS/9-1-1, no food/drink
• Severe Hypothermia: Not moving, unresponsive, abnormal breathing - check breathing 60 seconds, start CPR if not breathing

13. Poisons

One of the most comprehensive sections, covering various poisoning scenarios common in childcare environments.

Types of Poisoning

Specific Poisoning Scenarios

14. Childhood Illnesses

Essential knowledge for daycare workers and childcare providers in Surrey, Delta, Vancouver, and Abbotsford.

Protecting Children From Infection

• Keeping sick staff members home
• Encouraging parents to keep sick children home
• Having isolation room for children who become ill
• Proper handwashing before/after contact
• Teaching children to cover coughs/sneezes
• Daily disinfection of high-traffic areas
• Approved cleaning solutions for eating tables, bathrooms, sinks, countertops

When to Call EMS/9-1-1 vs. Parent/Guardian

Childhood Fevers

Giving Medication

Critical protocols for Surrey childcare facilities:

• Only with written parent/guardian permission
• Only from original labeled container
• Must include: child's name, when/how to take
• Designate one person to give all medications
• Emergency medicine (inhalers, epinephrine) must be accessible
• Proper documentation of date, time, child, medication, amount, administrator

How to Give Specific Medications:

• Eye Medication: Child looks up, pull lower eyelid, drop 2.5cm from eye, cotton ball on inner corner
• Nose Medication: Lie flat with head hanging over edge, drops in each nostril, remain with head back

15. Caring for Children - Prevention & Safety

The course concludes with prevention strategies—the most important aspect of child safety.

Toy and Equipment Safety

• Following manufacturer's directions
• Discarding broken items immediately
• Checking Health Canada for recalls on second-hand items
• Age-appropriate toy selection

Escape Plans

Creating and practicing evacuation procedures:

• Drawing floor plans with normal and emergency exits
• Identifying meeting locations outside
• Deciding who assists those needing help
• Regular practice drills (required by BC legislation in professional settings)

Teaching Children Safety Awareness

• How and when to call EMS/9-1-1
• Answering dispatcher's questions
• Providing full name, address, phone number
• Only hanging up when told to

Responding to Disclosures

Critical training for recognizing and reporting abuse:

The ACT Framework:

• Acknowledge the child's situation and feelings; Access support
• Comfort the child, take to safe place; Carefully listen
• Take notes, document; Take action—report immediately

You don't need 100% certainty—if you suspect abuse, report it. Child protection authorities determine facts and evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Care First Aid Training

Invest in Life-Saving Skills Today

The Emergency Child Care First Aid course is more than just a certification requirement—it's an investment in the safety and wellbeing of the children in your care. From recognizing the early signs of anaphylaxis to performing life-saving CPR, these skills can make the difference between life and death.

At RupIELTS Institute in Surrey, our experienced Canadian Red Cross certified instructors provide comprehensive, hands-on training in a supportive environment. You'll leave the course feeling confident and prepared to handle any emergency involving children.

Whether you're fulfilling a requirement for your daycare job in Surrey, preparing to become a nanny in Vancouver, coaching youth sports in Delta, teaching in Abbotsford, or simply want to be prepared as a parent—this training is essential.

Don't wait until an emergency happens. Be prepared. Be certified. Be confident.

Additional Resources

Continuing Education

After completing your Child Care First Aid certification, consider these additional courses to expand your knowledge:

• Psychological First Aid - Supporting emotional and mental wellbeing
• First Aid for Opioid Poisoning - Naloxone administration training
• WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) - For childcare facilities
• Standard First Aid - More comprehensive adult and workplace first aid