Pediatric First Aid Training Qualifications

Pediatric first aid includes caring for minor cuts and other injuries, but it also encompasses major issues like burns and medical emergencies requiring CPR. Knowing something about pediatric first aid is essential for those working or living with children, especially for those who work in child development centers, schools, private homes and professional health care settings. The type of pediatric first aid training depends upon the qualifications of those who wish to take a course.

Lay People

• For those who would like to learn pediatric first aid because their work puts them in contact with children, there are no training prerequisites for those courses except for the desire to help children in need. Anyone from amusement park workers to teachers to parents or babysitters may learn first aid for children. People can take basic pediatric first aid courses from the American Heart Association or their local Red Cross.

Obligated Responders

• People who are obligated to respond to childhood emergencies as part of their jobs are those who work as foster care providers, child development center workers, teachers and coaches. Some may be required by the state or regulating agency to take pediatric first aid training. Courses in pediatric first aid for this audience are more specific and stretch beyond basic first aid. These courses may also include CPR and Automatic External Defibrillator training. Individuals in this group have prior training in childcare.

Medical Personnel

• Some who participate in pediatric first aid training are those whose jobs put them in close contact with regular pediatric emergencies. Nurses, physicians, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and respiratory therapists have specific courses designed for their level of training and skill because of their extensive medical emergency training. Medical professionals take Pediatric Advanced Life Support training which includes learning CPR and AED for the medical professional, and learning advanced intravenous placement, tracheotomy techniques and medication management.