Paediatric vs Adult First Aid Course | What Do You Need?
If you work with children or babies, you need Paediatric First Aid. If you work mainly with adults, you need Adult First Aid (such as Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work). Some workplaces, like schools, nurseries, or family focused settings, may need both.
Understanding first aid training: adults vs children
At first glance, first aid might seem the same for everyone. But in reality, treating a child or baby is very different from treating an adult.
Children’s bodies are smaller, their airways are more delicate, and emergencies often look different.
That’s why UK guidance1 clearly separates Paediatric First Aid from Adult First Aid at Work. Choosing the right course isn’t just about compliance; it’s about being confident you can act quickly and correctly in an emergency.
What is Adult First Aid?
Adult first aid training is designed to help you respond to injuries or illnesses involving adults, usually in the workplace.
Common adult first aid courses include:
- Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) 1 day
- First Aid at Work (FAW) 3 days
- First Aid at Work Refresher 2 days
Adult first aid typically covers:
- CPR and AED use for adults
- Choking (adult)
- Bleeding and shock
- Burns and scalds
- Unconscious casualties
- Workplace related injuries
These courses meet the requirements of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, which require employers to provide appropriate first aid based on a first aid needs assessment.
What is Paediatric First Aid?
Paediatric First Aid focuses specifically on babies and young children, usually from birth to puberty. It’s a legal requirement in many childcare settings and follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework.
Paediatric first aid typically covers:
- CPR for infants and children
- Choking in babies and children
- Febrile seizures
- Anaphylaxis and allergic reactions
- Head injuries
- Burns, scalds, and bleeding
- Childhood illnesses and emergencies
The EYFS requires that at least one person with a valid Paediatric First Aid certificate is present at all times when children are on site and on outings.
Key differences between Paediatric and Adult First Aid
| Area | Adult First Aid | Paediatric First Aid |
|---|---|---|
| Who's it for? | Adults | EYFS statutory framework |
| CPR techniques | Adult focused | Infant & child-specific |
| Course focus | Workplace injuries | Child specific emergencies |
| Required in childcare | No | Yes |
Which first aid course do you need?
You need Paediatric First Aid if you:
- Work in a nursery or early years setting
- Are a childminder
- Work with babies or young children regularly
- Are required to meet EYFS requirements
You need Adult First Aid if you:
- Work in an office, warehouse, shop, or industrial setting
- Are responsible for staff first aid provision
- Have completed a workplace first aid needs assessment
You may need both if you:
- Work in a school or college
- Manage a setting with both children and adult staff
- Are responsible for health and safety across mixed age environments
Government guidance strongly recommends considering non employees, such as pupils and visitors, when planning first aid provision.
What do the UK first aid regulations say?
UK law2 requires employers to:
- Carry out a first aid needs assessment
- Provide adequate and appropriate first aid training
- Ensure trained first aiders are available at all times
For early years settings, the EYFS goes further by mandating paediatric first aid training.
Adult first aid courses do not automatically include paediatric CPR, which is why separate training is often required.
Can one course cover everything?
Not usually.
While some paediatric courses include limited adult emergency skills, they do not replace the need for proper Adult First Aid at Work training where required.
The safest and most compliant approach is:
- Paediatric First Aid for children
- Adult First Aid for staff and visitors
How long are certificates valid?
- Adult First Aid certificates: valid for 3 years
- Paediatric First Aid certificates: valid for 3 years
Annual refresher training is strongly recommended to keep skills sharp and confidence high.
Still not sure which course you need?
If you’re unsure, ask yourself:
- Who am I most likely to help in an emergency?
- What does my workplace's first aid needs assessment say?
- Do I work under EYFS or HSE guidance, or both?
A good training provider can help you choose the right course for your role and setting.
FAQs (Paediatric vs Adult First Aid)
1. Do I need paediatric first aid if I already have First Aid at Work?
Possibly. Adult first aid does not fully cover infant and child emergencies required under EYFS.
2. Is paediatric first aid mandatory in nurseries?
Yes. EYFS requires trained paediatric first aiders to be present at all times.
3. Can schools need both types of training?
Yes. Schools often need adult first aid for staff and paediatric first aid for pupils.
4. Do childminders need paediatric first aid?
Yes. Childminders and assistants in sole charge must hold a valid paediatric first aid certificate.
Refrences
1. & 2. HSE: First Aid at Work