The LICQual Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (PFA) is designed to help Learners develop essential knowledge and skills for responding to medical emergencies involving babies and children. Paediatric first aid plays a vital role in protecting children’s health, safety and wellbeing in environments where immediate assistance may be required. This course introduces important principles of emergency response, including recognising signs of illness or injury, assessing a situation, providing appropriate initial care and seeking professional medical assistance when necessary.
This paediatric first aid qualification is relevant to childcare practitioners, nursery staff, teaching assistants, childminders, school support staff and individuals whose responsibilities involve the care or supervision of children. It may also benefit parents, carers and other individuals who want to improve their understanding of child safety and emergency care. Depending on the approved syllabus and delivery arrangements, learning topics may include assessing an injured or unwell child, managing bleeding, responding to burns, recognising choking, understanding CPR principles and identifying situations that require urgent medical attention.
Completing the LICQual Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (PFA) can support personal development and strengthen awareness of appropriate emergency response procedures. Learners can develop a better understanding of how to prioritise a child’s immediate needs, communicate effectively during an incident and follow recognised first aid guidance. The course may also support professional development for individuals working in childcare and education settings, subject to employer requirements and applicable regulations.
The LICQual Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (PFA) is suitable for Learners who want to develop knowledge and skills in providing first aid to babies and children. The following are general entry recommendations; specific requirements may vary according to the official qualification specification and approved training provider.
- Age: Generally, 16 years or above, subject to provider requirements.
- Educational Background: No specific formal qualification may be required.
- Experience: Previous childcare, healthcare or first aid experience is beneficial but not always essential.
- English Language: Basic English reading, writing and communication skills are recommended to understand instructions and complete assessments.
- IT Skills: Basic digital skills may be helpful if any learning materials or assessments are delivered online
Mandatory Units
- Introduction to Paediatric First Aid
- Assessing the Situation and Initial Response
- Managing Unconsciousness and Recovery Position
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Infants and Children
- Dealing with Common Paediatric Injuries and Illnesses
- Recording, Reporting, and Legal Considerations
Skills You Will Gain
The LICQual Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (PFA) helps Learners develop essential knowledge and skills for responding to injuries and medical emergencies involving babies and children. The course focuses on recognising potential dangers, understanding appropriate first aid procedures and knowing when to seek professional medical assistance.
- Emergency Recognition: Identify signs of illness, injury and potentially life-threatening emergencies in babies and children.
- Child Assessment: Understand how to assess a child’s condition and determine the urgency of the situation.
- CPR Awareness: Develop knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation principles for babies and children.
- Choking Response: Understand appropriate first aid responses when a child or infant is choking.
- Bleeding Management: Learn the basic principles of managing bleeding and seeking further medical assistance.
- Burns and Scalds: Recognise common burns and scalds and understand appropriate initial care.
- Unconsciousness Awareness: Understand how to respond when a child becomes unresponsive.
- Breathing Difficulties: Recognise warning signs of breathing problems and the need for urgent intervention.
- Seizure Response: Understand how to provide appropriate support when a child experiences a seizure.
- Injury Management: Develop awareness of first aid responses for common childhood injuries.
- Infection Prevention: Understand basic hygiene practices that help reduce the risk of infection during first aid.
- Emergency Communication: Learn to communicate essential information clearly when contacting emergency services.
- Accident Prevention: Identify potential hazards and understand ways to improve children’s safety.
- Decision-Making: Develop awareness of how to prioritise actions during paediatric emergencies.
- Caregiver Confidence: Strengthen confidence in responding calmly and responsibly while following recognised first aid guidance.
The LICQual Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (PFA) is designed for Learners who want to develop their knowledge of first aid for babies and children. It is particularly relevant to individuals responsible for children’s care, supervision, education or wellbeing in professional and community settings. The course can help Learners understand how to recognise medical emergencies, respond appropriately to common childhood injuries and illnesses, and contribute to safer environments.
Who Is this for
- Nursery practitioners responsible for the daily care and supervision of young children.
- Childminders who want to strengthen their paediatric first aid knowledge.
- Early years educators working in nurseries and childcare settings.
- Teaching assistants supporting children in schools and educational environments.
- School support staff involved in children’s safety and wellbeing.
- Preschool workers responsible for supervising young learners.
- Daycare staff working with babies, toddlers and young children.
- Nannies providing care and supervision in family homes.
- Babysitters seeking to improve their understanding of childhood emergencies.
- Foster carers who want to develop relevant first aid awareness.
- Residential childcare workers supporting children in care settings.
- Sports coaches working with children during training sessions and activities.
- Holiday club and children’s activity leaders responsible for group supervision.
- Parents and guardians who want to improve their knowledge of first aid for children.
Future Progression
After completing the LICQual Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (PFA), Learners can explore further training opportunities to enhance their knowledge of child safety, emergency response and childcare practice.
- Advanced First Aid Training: Develop broader knowledge of first aid procedures and responses to different medical emergencies.
- Paediatric First Aid Development: Explore further training focused on emergency care for babies, children and young people.
- Early Years Education: Progress towards relevant qualifications in early years learning, development and care.
- Childcare Practice: Develop additional skills in providing safe, supportive and age-appropriate childcare.
- Health and Social Care: Consider further study in care practices, safeguarding and individual wellbeing.
- Safeguarding Children: Build knowledge of child protection, recognising concerns and following safeguarding procedures.
- Child Health and Safety: Develop awareness of risk assessment, accident prevention and safer childcare environments.
- Special Educational Needs Support: Explore relevant training to better understand the needs of children requiring additional support.
- Nursery and Preschool Roles: Pursue suitable employment or professional development opportunities in early years settings, subject to employer requirements.
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