Nothing prepares you for the moment a baby or young child in your care stops breathing or starts choking quite like knowing exactly what to do, and that confidence is what this practical, dry-land course builds. Designed for parents, grandparents, childminders and coaches, it adapts core first aid and CPR specifically for infant and child physiology using dedicated training manikins. No previous first aid training or diving experience is required.

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In detail

About This Course

Emergency First Response - Care for Children is a focused, practical course designed for anyone who spends time around babies and young children, whether as a parent, grandparent, childminder, teacher or coach. It takes the core principles of first aid and CPR and adapts them specifically for infant and child physiology, so you know exactly what to do when a young life is at risk.

Through a mix of knowledge development and hands-on skill practice, you will learn to recognise and respond to common childhood injuries and illnesses, from choking and breathing difficulties to falls, burns and allergic reactions. Training is carried out on dedicated infant and child manikins, so the techniques you practise reflect the real differences in how you care for a baby versus an older child.

No previous first aid training or diving experience is required, and the course is open to anyone regardless of fitness or swimming ability, since it takes place entirely on dry land. Diving Academy runs this course as a genuinely useful, standalone qualification for everyday life, not just as an add-on for divers.

By the end of the course you will have the confidence and practical know-how to provide effective first aid and CPR to infants and children until professional medical help arrives, along with a recognised Emergency First Response certification.

The process

How The Course Works

Step 1
Understanding Paediatric Emergencies
Learn how medical emergencies in babies and young children differ from those in adults, and why your response needs to change for infants under one and children aged one to eight. You'll also cover the emotional side of caring for a distressed child, not just the physical steps.
PADI states this course is built on the Pediatric Working Group of ILCOR guidelines.
Step 2
Hands-On Child and Infant Care
Work through realistic scenarios covering both primary care (CPR) and secondary care (first aid) scaled specifically for smaller bodies, from chest compressions to choking response. You'll also pick up practical ways to help prevent the most common childhood injuries and illnesses before they happen.
PADI states this course typically runs 7 to 9 hours.

Course curriculum

What You'll Learn

Learning Outcomes

Identify and respond to common childhood injuries and illnesses
Provide care that reduces the risk of further harm
Special procedures for first aid and CPR to infants and children

Getting ready

Before You Start & What's Next

What's Included

Course materials covering first aid and CPR skills specific to infants and children
Hands-on skill practice using infant and child training manikins
Emergency First Response Care for Children certification card

Prerequisites

Speak to our team to confirm the best starting point for your experience.

Next Steps

Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care (adult CPR and First Aid)
PADI Rescue Diver course

Upcoming training

Dates & Booking

No fixed dates listed right now

Choose your preferred start date and the academy will confirm instructor availability with you directly.

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We will help you pick the right course, package and dates without making the process feel complicated.

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Quick facts

Duration

1 day of structured training

Location

Unit 4, Bellman Court, Great Knollys Street, Reading, RG1 7HD

Certification

Recognised PADI qualification on completion

Have questions?

Emergency First Response - Care for Children

What to expect