First Aid Training to Make Your Early Learning Centre a Safer Place

Written by Dana Pearce - First Aid Trainer and Assessor with Hero Headquarters. She holds a Bachelor of Paramedicine from Victoria University, is an avid basketballer and recently coached her under 16's team to a Grandfinal championship.

The Early Learning Centre setting is a very important place to have quality first aid training. This industry looks after children, so having relevant and targeted training is crucial to the staff's education and confidence when an emergency situation arises. This training also gives the parents peace of mind, and it promotes the overall sense of safety for their children.

The training should be relevant and engaging for the specific workplace, so including scenarios that could arise within the early learning centre is extremely important. This is so the educators can be faced with real situations that might happen, as well as giving them time to answer any questions they may have. Giving them an opportunity to practice their practical skills as well as cementing the theory training is a great way for them to learn and retain the information from the training session. It would also be beneficial for the first aid session to focus on medical conditions and trauma units, as these can happen in an early learning centre.

There are a number of different medical conditions that are important to learn whilst working within an early learning centre. A few of these would be anaphylaxis, asthma, choking and shock. Understanding what the condition is, common signs and symptoms, any triggers, and the best treatment is important in the survival rates of children within the early learning sector. Young children do not possess a sense of danger, so it is important for the educator to have adequate knowledge and training to respond to emergencies, which will also help lower the risks and injuries of children within early learning centres. The educators should be vigilant and prepared for any and all types of emergencies. This could be doing extra briefings with staff if they have a new child with anaphylaxis start, going through where the spare Epipens or puffers and spacers are kept, and where all first aid kits are. The early learning centre is responsible for ensuring all staff hold a current first aid certificate and anaphylaxis certificate. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it will also give the parents and guardians valuable peace of mind about leaving their children in the care of the centre and its staff.

Another big injury commonly seen in childcare centres is sports-related injuries. This could happen from something as simple as running or walking along a log. Sports are a large part of children's lives; even having a sports day within a centre could result in these injuries. Educators who have had quality training can assess the situation, provide immediate assistance to any minor injuries and also assess them to prevent or monitor them from becoming a major injury or concern. When correct first aid is given, it can reduce recovery time and save that child from a temporary or permanent disability. Staff should also know when to notify emergency services while keeping the child safe and comfortable. Lastly, being able to confidently notify the parents and keeping them updated on their child's condition is important. This means staff must understand what is happening and know the best treatment for the injury.

Being able to provide first aid isn't just about providing physical assistance but also emotional and mental reassurance. It is important to assess the situation and keep the person as calm as possible. Being able to speak to and relate to an injured child is important. Having strategies and using toys or games can help keep the child calm. This can help reduce extra stress on that child. Once they have calmed down, give them the space to reach out and speak up if they feel nervous or scared to promote healthier relationships and build trust within the childcare setting.

Getting all staff first aid trained at your early learning centre will give your team the confidence and skills to step up and help during the next emergency, making your early learning centre safer for everyone.