First Aid and Childminding

According to the HSE, ‘accidental injury is one of the biggest single causes of death in Ireland for children over the age of one. More children die each year as a result of accidents than from illnesses such as leukaemia or meningitis.’ Research carried out by Temple Street Hospital Dublin in 2011, also found that the most common injuries that happened at home requiring A&E treatment are for burn injuries. Parents and caregivers knowing how to act in these situations can make a difference between life and death. From knowing what to do with a small burn to performing CPR, First Aid is a valuable skill to have at home or in childcare facility.

Childminders and First Aid

Registered Childminders are required to have protocols around the administering of medication and suitably equipped First Aid boxes. However, it is 'good practice' for all childminders to equip themselves with some First Aid knowledge. There are many courses around Ireland that offer specific children and pediatric training at various levels. There are many different types of training in First Aid with advanced levels for those who work in health care industry. For childminders, there are beginners First Aid courses that deal with a range of topics such as:

• Calling the Emergency services
• The Choking Casualty – Adult, infant, child
• CPR – Adult, Infant, Child
• Infantile Convulsions, Meningitis
• Bumps and Bruises
• Temperature Control
• Fainting
• Burns
• Poisons Prevention

Red Cross

The Red Cross provide a broad range of training with all profits from this training going back into their charity and community projects.

The Family First Aid Course ( also known as Paediatric First Aid) is a 1 day class that provided training for basic injuries and illness for children and infants. According to their site, ‘You will learn; how to assess a child or infant for injuries, how to apply CPR and treat choking, how to treat bleeding, burns and medical conditions specific to children.’

For more information on childminders, please see our child care resources.

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